Unfortunately, cybercriminals have identified seniors as prime targets, and a major reason is that their information is often easier to hack. In order to protect personal information and keep important accounts from becoming compromised, it’s important to consider strong password security. We’ve put together a great list of tips to help create strong passwords and keep seniors safe from hackers.
Password Security Dos:
- Log out of accounts when finished, especially bank accounts.
- Download security software. Methods that hackers use to steal your information have become increasingly sophisticated. It’s important for your devices to have all the latest protection against malware, including keystroke logging.
- Avoid logging into accounts with sensitive information when on public computers (in libraries, for example) or when using unsecured Wi-Fi connections (such as in a restaurant, mall, or airport). These connections are not secure, making it easier for hackers to steal passwords.
- Frequently change your passwords.
- Create longer passwords (with at least 8 characters), including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Many websites already include these criteria as requirements.
- Make a password more memorable by writing a small sentence but changing out letters with similar-looking symbols or numbers. For example: “I love my kids” could be written in password form as “1l0v3myk1d$”. Some other substitutes include replacing @ for a, $ for s, 0 (zero) for the letter o, and 1 or ! for i.
- Check your password strength when prompted as you create it. Many websites will give feedback and suggestions for stronger passwords.
- Enable a 2-Step verification when it is available. It’s beneficial to have an extra level of protection, even if it seems like a minor hassle. This works when your phone number or email address is connected to an account. When you log in, you’ll receive a text or email with a code that you will then have to enter to get access to your account.
- Change your password immediately if your password becomes compromised.
Password Security Dont’s:
- Don’t share your passwords with anyone else. Keep in mind that banks and other businesses will never ask for your password, so beware of emails or calls in which people impersonate trusted sources in an effort to retrieve your password.
- Don’t allow others to see you enter your password. Exercise awareness and caution if logging into an account in a public space.
- Don’t use the same password for multiple websites and applications. It’s especially important to have unique passwords for banking apps/websites.
- Don’t repeat old passwords or use ones that are very similar to previous passwords. For instance, changing password1234 to 1234password.
- Don’t write passwords down. Instead, it’s better to download a password manager. That way you don’t have to remember every password for every account you have, only the “master password”.
- Don’t use dictionary words, slang terms, or consecutive keyboard letters (like “asdfg”).
- Don’t use personal information that can be found with only minimal research–family member names, pet names, favorite sports teams, birth dates, etc.
IT Security from RSN Technologies–Specifically for Senior Living Communities
One of the top priorities of IT security is to block hackers from accessing sensitive information, and at RSN Technologies, that’s our wheelhouse. We also understand that seniors are unfortunately targeted by hackers, and we’re here to help protect them–it’s part of our mission.
RSN not only manages IT, but we can customize an infrastructure that meets the needs of your senior living community, and cost-effectively. We have the experience and knowledge to develop the most up-to-date cybersecurity strategies and keep your IT systems running smoothly and securely. The cherry on top is our excellent customer service. We consider our customers our most valuable asset and work to provide the best and quickest service possible.
Are you ready to partner with us? Reach out to us to discuss the technology needs of your senior living community.