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The internet can be a convenient way to accomplish positive and necessary parts of daily life, such as finding information about managing health conditions, attending virtual healthcare appointments, engaging in social connections, buying goods and services, or conducting financial business. As family caregivers, safeguarding the digital well-being of adult family members and friends can prevent potential theft and threats to their livelihood.
Here are some ideas to keep their (and your) personal information secure:
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Beware of Scams and Phishing Attempts. Educate your loved ones about common fake and fraudulent calls or emails about tech support, prize notifications, expiring discounts for internet or cable services, IRS account protection/rights, a family member needing bail from jail, or giving someone a Google verification code when trying to sell something through platforms like Facebook or Craigslist.
- Never share personal information or click on links from unknown inquirers.
- Be wary of unsolicited emails or messages that request personal information (even from known people or businesses) or prompt you to click links, or pressure you to act fast. Always verify the source by contacting them separately, before taking any action.
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Strengthen Password Security. Encourage the use of strong, unique passwords for all online accounts.
- Consider using a password manager to securely store and manage passwords.
- Avoid using easily guessed passwords like "123456" or "password."
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Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second form of verification in addition to the password.
- Help set up MFA on important accounts, such as email, banking, and social media, to enhance security.
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Update Software Regularly. Ensure that devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets, are running the latest software updates. These updates often include important security patches that protect against known vulnerabilities.
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Secure Home Networks. Protect home networks by using strong, unique passwords for Wi-Fi and regularly updating the router’s firmware.
- Avoid using default passwords and consider enabling network encryption to safeguard their online activities.
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Monitor Financial Accounts. Keep an eye on financial accounts or review together for any unusual activity.
- Set-up account alerts to notify you and/or them of suspicious transactions, and review statements regularly for any signs of fraud activity. Contact the bank or credit card to report suspected fraud.
Additional Tips:
- Regularly review privacy settings on social media accounts and adjust settings to limit who can view the information. This can prevent unauthorized access and reduce the risk of data breaches.
- Regularly backup data and verify that backups are functional. In the event of a ransomware attack, having recent backups can be a lifesaver.
- Don’t engage in online activities that involve your personal information (email, banking, medical records, etc.) when using public, unsecured networks.
Upcoming Events: Save the Date!
October Cybersecurity Awareness Month Events- WaTech Office of Cybersecurity
November Family Caregiver Month Local Events- Kitsap County Aging and Long Term Care
Cybersecurity Resources:
How Older Adults Can Improve their Cybersecurity- National Council on Aging
Secure Our World- Cyber Security Awareness Month, CISA/U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security
Internet Safety for Older Adults- Washington State Office of the Attorney General
Resources
Local Caregiver Support
Choosing Care in an Adult Family Home or Assisted Living Facility
Long Term Care Resource Book-English
Long Term Care Resource Book- Other Languages
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