Staying Safe on Social Media: A Guide for Seniors

Imagine social media as a big, busy community center where you can meet friends, share stories, and keep up with the latest news. Each social media platform is like a different room in this center— imagine that Facebook is the cozy living room and Instagram is the lively, vibrant art gallery. According to a 2021 survey by the Pew Research Center, about 45% of adults aged 65 and older use Facebook and Instagram regularly to keep up with friends .and family.

 When you post something, it's like putting up a bulletin board notice in the center for everyone to see. You can share pictures, and updates, and even play games with friends. Just as you wouldn't trust every stranger you meet in the community center, it's essential to be cautious online. Don't open the door to unexpected visitors (click on suspicious links), and always double-check before sharing personal information. Social media is a wonderful place to connect, but, like any community, it's best enjoyed when you stay aware and keep your space secure.

 Our internet safety experts checked for common problems that might make you less safe online. Let's see what they found, so you can check how safe you are.

Imagine social media as a big, busy community center where you can meet friends, share stories, and keep up with the latest news.

Social media is a wonderful place to connect, but, like any community, it's best enjoyed when you stay aware and keep your space secure.

 Common Social Media Security Issue

1. Easy-to-guess or reused passwords. Do you use the same password for multiple websites?  The Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report found that 80% of hacking-related breaches involved compromised and weak credentials.

 2. Overflowing Personal Information: Are you sharing too much personal information on their profiles, such as birthdays, phone numbers, or home addresses? This can give too much information to the wrong people.

 3. Vulnerability to Scams: Older adults are often targeted by online scams, including fake contests or scamming sellers. Have you ever won a free iPad on Facebook? The Federal Trade Commission reported that people over 60 lost nearly $650 million to scams in 2020, with a median loss of $9,175 per person. 

4. Limited Understanding of Privacy Settings: Do you know your current Privacy Settings? Your post may be exposing information to a wider audience than you intended.

Secure Your Space

 Now that we've spotted some weak points, let's see how we can make things safer. Learn simple steps to fix issues and boost your online security.

Create Strong and Unique Passwords

Strong passwords are like fortified locks for your online doors. They make it much harder for bad actors to get in.

  How to Do It: Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols. Avoid using easily guessable information. Consider using a passphrase made up of multiple words that are meaningful to you but hard for others to guess. Password managers can help generate and store complex passwords for you.

Adjust Privacy Settings

Your privacy settings control who can see your information and posts, helping to protect your data.

  How to Do It:  Regularly review and adjust your privacy settings on all social media platforms. Ensure that your posts are shared only with trusted individuals. For example, Facebook has audience options like “ Friends”, “Friends of Friends” and “Public.” Most social media platforms offer a "Privacy Checkup" tool to guide you through the process of securing your account.

Recognize and Avoid Scams

   Scammers often seek seniors as vulnerable targets. Being able to recognize the red flags of a scam can protect you from financial loss and identity theft.

  How to Do It: Be cautious of unwanted messages or friend requests, especially if they ask for personal or financial information. Red flags include poor spelling and grammar, requests rushing for immediate action, or wildly too-good-to-be-true offers. Websites like the Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Information page provide examples and alerts about current scams.

Be Cautious with Personal Information

Sharing too much information can make you an easy target for scammers and thieves. Keep things surface-level with social media.

 How to Do It: Avoid posting sensitive information like your home address, phone number, or financial details. Be mindful of what you share in your posts, especially regarding your current location, daily routine, or travel plans.

Secure Personal Devices

Keeping your devices secure helps protect all the information stored on them, including your social media accounts.

 How to Do It: Make sure all your devices have the latest security updates and antivirus software installed. Use strong, unique passcodes to lock your devices. It’s highly recommended to use Multifactor authentication to have more than one lock on your front door. It adds an extra layer of protection to your accounts by requiring something you know, like a password, and something you have, like a code sent to your phone.

Don't open the door to unexpected visitors (click on suspicious links), and always double-check before sharing personal information. Social media is a wonderful place to connect, but, like any community, it's best enjoyed when you stay aware and keep your space secure.

Stay safe and vigilant. Bookmark www.lovedbycsf.org to keep more helpful tips on cyber safety close by!