Top 5 Things I Recommend Older Adults Do Today to Stay Safe Online

Older adults are the number one target for online scams. The good news? There are practical steps you can take right now to reduce your risk. Here are my top five recommendations.

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5. Never Click Links—Yes, Really

This may sound extreme, but it’s one of the most important rules.

Scammers and threat actors rely on links to gain access to your devices and personal information. Never click links in text messages, emails, or social media, even if they appear to come from a company you recognize.

Instead, always go directly to the company’s official website by typing the address yourself or calling the company directly.

Real example:
A client recently received a text claiming they had won a large prize from Verizon Wireless. They clicked the link and began filling out a form—but stopped and called Verizon before submitting it. Verizon confirmed the message was a scam and advised them to change their password immediately.

Even though the form wasn’t completed, I explained that scammers can still capture information as you type. Their technology is advanced enough to record keystrokes and form entries before you hit “submit.”

Clicking a link is like opening the front door and inviting a scammer inside.

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4. Keep Your Computer Clean and Organized

You should recognize every application on your computer and understand why it’s there.

Threat actors often gain access through unauthorized software, malicious browser extensions, or remote connections. Keeping your device clean helps reduce risk—and makes it easier to identify where a breach may have come from.

What this means:

• Remove applications you don’t recognize or use
• Clear cookies regularly
• Use a secure browser
• Remove unnecessary browser extensions

If you’re unsure whether something belongs on your device, contact a trusted technical expert (or me) to review it with you. You don’t have to do this alone.

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3. Use a Password Manager

Password management is one of the biggest challenges I see with my older clients.

A password manager securely stores your passwords so you don’t have to remember them all—and prevents password reuse, which is extremely risky.

• Apple users: The built-in password manager with Face ID or Touch ID is a great option and very easy to use.
• PC users: I highly recommend Bitwarden, one of the most secure password managers available. Your passwords are encrypted and not stored in plain text on servers.

The key is having a system that is secure, reliable, and organized. If you’d like help to set one up or learning how to use it confidently, I’m happy to walk through it with you.

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2. Avoid Online Dating

This one can be controversial, but it’s important to say clearly: online dating is extremely high-risk for older adults.

Romance scams are at an all-time high, and I have seen clients lose substantial amounts of money to people they genuinely believed they were in relationships with.

These scams are especially devastating because:

• Victims willingly send money, making legal action nearly impossible
• Scammers build long-term emotional relationships
• They may video chat, share real names, and provide real locations

Unlike traditional scams, romance scammers rely on trust and emotional manipulation. As a cybersecurity professional, I do not believe online dating is safe for older adults. The risk simply isn’t worth it.

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1. Limit What You Share on Social Media

Social media is one of the primary ways threat actors gather information about older adults.

You may believe your profile is private or contains no identifying information—but scammers know how to bypass privacy settings and piece together details.

From social media alone, scammers can learn:

• Your birthday (and your children’s birthdays)
• Names of family members and pets
• Your home, car, routines, and social circles

This allows them to build a detailed profile of you, which they use in targeted scams and social engineering attacks.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t use social media—but be intentional. Everything you post becomes part of your digital footprint, accessible to millions of people worldwide.

Before posting, ask yourself: Would I want a stranger to know this about me?

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Final Thoughts

This list does not guarantee safety—but it does increase awareness.

Computers, smartphones, and the internet hold enormous amounts of our personal data. Understanding how powerful these tools are—and how scammers exploit them—is the first step in protecting yourself.

My goal is not to create fear, but confidence through knowledge. Staying informed and mindful can make all the difference.

If you’d like help implementing any of these steps, I’m here to help.

Contact me at 224.307.5260 or email me at: Shellytechco@gmail.com