ONLINE SAFETY

TIPS FOR
OLDER ADULTS

Going online lets you keep learning, connect with friends and family and play games.
Just as you fasten your seat belt before driving, take precautions before using theInternet to be sure you are safe and secure. The first step is to STOP. THINK. CONNECT.:
take safety measures, think about the consequences of your actions and connect knowing
you have taken steps to safeguard yourself when online.
STOP. THINK. CONNECT., in partnership with Cyber-Seniors, wants to make sureeveryone has a safe and enjoyable experience while online. We have a few tips that will
help as you learn how to use new technology.
PERSONAL INFORMATION IS LIKE MONEY. VALUE IT. PROTECT IT.

• Lock your devices, like you tablet and phone: You lock the front door to your house,and you should do the same with your devices. Use strong passwords to lock yourtablet and phone. Securing your devices keeps prying eyes out and can help protect
your information in case your devices are lost or stolen.
• Think before you act: Ignore emails or communications that create a sense of urgency
and require you to respond to a crisis, such as a problem with your bank account ortaxes. This type of message is likely a scam.
• When in doubt, throw it out: Clicking on links in emails is often how bad guys getaccess to personal information. If an email looks weird, even if you know the person
who sent it, it’s best to delete.
• Make passwords strong: A strong password is a sentence that is at least 12
characters long. Focus on positive sentences or phrases that you like to think about
and are easy to remember (for example, “I love country music.”). On many sites, youcan even use spaces!
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TIPS FOR

OLDER ADULTS• Write it down and keep it safe: Everyone can forget a password. Keep a list that’s
stored in a safe, secure place away from your computer.
SHARE WITH CARE

• What you post will last forever: Be aware that when you post a picture or message
online, you may also be inadvertently sharing personal details with strangers aboutyourself and family members – like where you live.
• Post only about others as you would like to have them post about you: The golden
rule applies online as well.
• Own your online presense: It’s OK to limit who can see your information and what
you share. Learn about and use privacy and security settings on your favorite
websites.

About STOP. THINK. CONNECT.

STOP. THINK. CONNECT. is the first-ever coordinated message to help all digital citizens stay safer and moresecure online. The message was created by an unprecedented coalition of companies, nonprofits andgovernment organizations. In 2009, the Anti Phishing Working Group and National Cyber Security Alliance led
the effort to find a unified online safety message that could be adapted across public and private sectors. The isto help everyone understand the risks and benefits that come with using the Internet.

About Cyber-Seniors

Building on the award-winning documentary “Cyber-Seniors” and the high school community service project that
insprised it, the Cyber-Seniors non-profit organization and Connecting Generations campaign encourages techsavvy youth to share thier knowledge by mentoring older adults.
For information on Cyber-Seniors and the Connecting Generations campaign please visit
www.cyberseniorsdocumentary.com

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