Senior Online Safety Guide

Core Principles of Online Safety

Online safety doesn't require technical expertise — it requires a few consistent habits that dramatically reduce your risk.

Create Strong, Unique Passwords

The single most impactful thing you can do is use a different password for every account. If hackers get your password from one data breach, they'll try it everywhere. A password manager like 1Password generates and stores unique passwords automatically — you only remember one master password.

• Use a password manager — never reuse passwords
• Enable two-factor authentication on email, banking, and social media accounts
• Your email password is the most critical — it's the key that unlocks everything else

Use Social Media Wisely

• Never post your full birthdate, address, or phone number publicly
• Be cautious about posting that you're away from home — even for a day trip
• Review your privacy settings — limit who can see your posts to friends only
• Friend request strangers are often the first step in romance scams

Be Cautious on Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi in coffee shops, libraries, and airports is not secure. Anyone on the same network can potentially see your internet traffic. Never access banking or medical accounts on public Wi-Fi without a VPN.