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How Seniors Can Protect Themselves Online

Smart old senior elderly caucasian couple grandparents husband and wife receiving pension paying domestic bills, doing online shopping with credit card and laptop, e-banking and e-commerce at home

The digital age has transitioned the way we communicate and store information. We use our devices daily, from checking social media to sharing with friends and colleagues. By doing so, we could leave digital footprints behind for anyone to find.

For seniors, digital technology may blur the lines between what's real and what's not. Online predators know this and use the busyness of social media to scout for potential victims. Seniors can avoid being victimized by both criminals and Internet scams by simply taking these tips: 

  1. Avoid Public Wi-Fi
    Scammers are known to set up "rogue" Wi-Fi connections that use the name of a reputable company to steal personal information. If you use public Wi-Fi, you should log on only to trusted sites and close the web browser when you're done.
  2. Use Strong Passwords
    As a senior, you should use passwords that are strong and different for each of your accounts. A strong password combines uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easy-to-guess information such as birthdates, names of family members, or simple combinations like "password" and "1234."
  3. Be Cautious of Phishing Scams
    Seniors should be aware of phishing scams, fraudulent emails, or messages designed by online scammers to lure them into giving away personal information or money. They should never click on download attachments or links from unknown senders and should verify the authenticity of any emails they receive.
  4. Use Safe Websites
    Seniors should use caution when visiting websites that could put their personal information at risk, such as gambling websites, social media accounts, or sites with a bad reputation for scams. If you need clarification on the website's reputation, you should look up the site online before logging on.
  5. Keep Software up-to-date
    As a senior, you should regularly update your computer's software and antivirus programs to protect it against vulnerabilities and potential attacks.
  6. Be Careful when Using Social Media
    As a senior, you should be careful not to share too much data on social media. You should keep your address, location, and phone number private, particularly on social media. Furthermore, be careful who you interact with online.
  7. Use privacy settings
    You should adjust your privacy settings on social media and other online accounts to ensure your private information is not accessible to anyone you don't want it to be shared with.

What is Digital Identity?

It is the online representation of an individual's personal or professional identity. It is the collection of personal data, online activity, and digital assets associated with a person's identity in the digital world. It can include usernames, passwords, email addresses, social media profiles, online purchases, search history, and other personal information that is shared or collected online.

Importance of Maintaining Your Digital Identity

Maintaining your digital identity is crucial in today's digital age, where a significant portion of our personal and professional lives occurs online. Here are various reasons why it's essential to maintain your digital identity:

  1. Control over your online presence
    By maintaining your digital identity, you can control what information is available about you online. You can choose what personal information to share, what photos to post, and what comments to make. It can help you shape your online persona and present yourself positively and professionally.
  2. Protection against identity theft
    Your digital identity is closely linked to your identity, and cybercriminals can use the information found online to steal your identity. By maintaining your digital identity, you can monitor your online presence for signs of identity theft, such as unauthorized accounts or purchases made in your name.
  3. Enhance your professional reputation
    Your digital identity can have a significant impact on your professional reputation. Maintaining a positive online presence can enhance your professional image and increase your chances of landing job offers or business opportunities.
  4. Personal branding
    You can use your digital identity to establish a personal brand. By curating your online presence, you can create a brand that represents your values, skills, and accomplishments.
  5. Privacy protection
    Maintaining your digital identity also involves protecting your privacy. By controlling what information is available about you online, you can reduce the risk of your personal information being misused or exploited.

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We offer various digital identity solutions to help you manage and protect your online presence at CMIT Solutions. We can assist you with email and website hosting, personal domain registration, company domain registration, and privacy protection. We aim to help you achieve your full potential in the digital world. Contact us today.


Written By

Brittany Cotton

Brittany Cotton is an article writer that focuses on health, wellness, and business. In her free time, you can find her reading, writing, and trying new recipes.


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