For Florida seniors, finding reliable health information on the Internet can be a challenge. A Google search for “heart attack” produces 92,000 results! How do you know which of these sites has reliable information? In this post, we’ll give a broad overview of internet safety for seniors so you can surf the web confidently and safely. 

Here are some tips for protecting yourself from inaccurate information and Internet scams:

Four Points to Know Before You Search

Reliable websites give you true information. Remember these four points when you search the Internet:

Accuracy: Does the website use reliable research? Check many sources for the same information – are the results the same?

Authority: Websites that end in .org., .gov, or .edu are usually the most reliable websites for health facts. Make sure the website is written by doctors, nurses, or others working in the health care field.

Bias: Who pays for the website: If a company supports a website, they could have control over the website and give you wrong information.

Is it Current? When were the facts last updated? Medical research never stops. Make sure the information is no older than three years.

Signs of Scam

How can you tell if websites are telling the truth? These signs can help you decide whether a website or an ad is a scam.

No one treatment works for everyone. All conditions are different. Two people with the same problem may need different treatments. Don’t trust any website with ads for products that say it can treat any sickness.

“Natural” doesn’t always mean safe or that it actually works.

Fake marketers may trick you into buying their product. Products that claim to cure or treat a sickness might seem honest, but they can be completely made-up. An actor or model could have been paid to tell you they like the product. Personal stories are not proof that the product works.

Big words might sound impressive but aren’t proof that the product works. Your doctor will know the facts.

A money-back guarantee doesn’t prove that a product works.

Internet Safety for Seniors: Specific Tips

Protecting yourself on the internet is crucial for maintaining your privacy, security, and personal information. Here are some targeted tips to help you stay safe online:

Use strong, unique passwords: Create complex passwords that include a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Don’t reuse passwords across multiple accounts and consider using a password manager to store them securely.

Keep software up to date: Regularly update your operating system, web browsers, and software to ensure you have the latest security patches.

Be cautious with public Wi-Fi: Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive tasks, such as online banking. If you must use public Wi-Fi, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your data.

Beware of phishing scams: Be cautious when opening emails or messages from unknown sources. Don’t click on suspicious links or download attachments, and always verify the authenticity of websites before entering personal information.

Protect your personal information: Be mindful of the information you share online. Limit the amount of personal information you post on social media and adjust your privacy settings to control who can see your content.

Use antivirus and anti-malware software: Install reliable antivirus and anti-malware software to protect your devices from viruses, malware, and other threats. Keep the software up to date and run regular scans.

Secure your home network: Change the default password on your Wi-Fi router, enable WPA3 encryption, and keep your router’s firmware up to date.

Be cautious with downloads and online services: Only download software from trusted sources and use reputable online services for activities like file sharing or streaming.

By following these steps, Florida seniors can confidently navigate the Internet while protecting their personal information and staying safe online.