The number of over 60s using smartphones, apps and surfing the web has increased: here are 5 tips to defend against the dangers of the web
More and more over 60s are using smartphones, apps and surfing the Internet, often unaware of the risks that the web hides. The dangers in 2020 have increased, with the rapid digitization of the country between streaming, video calls and online shopping in the times of the pandemic from Covid-19.
According to the latest Auditel-Censis report of July 2020, 53.3% of people in this age group has a connection to the network and therefore it becomes important to raise awareness among "non-digital natives" of the dangers they may encounter, so they can manage them independently. For this reason, on Safer Internet Day, which is celebrated on February 9, Wiko and Kaspersky Lab have published 5 computer security tips dedicated to the over 60s. From the use of complex passwords and antivirus to protect against malware and phishing, to knowing how to recognize apps from the official stores, suspicious messages and learning to verify the permissions given: what you need to know.
Internet and over 60: using complex passwords
For those who use smartphones, the first advice is to always set passwords that are complex, even better if using biometrics.You can then use sequences of numbers or alphanumeric passwords to set the lock of the device, which allows you to encrypt even the contents of the phone so that prying eyes can not access it even if it is lost. If your smartphone allows it, even better is to use biometrics, such as fingerprint or the face-framing unlock feature, known as Face ID for iPhones and Face Unlock for Android devices.
Internet and over 60: use a good antivirus
Another fundamental step to ensure your security is to use special apps such as antivirus. These specific apps protect your device from different types of viruses and malware that could attack your smartphone and steal your data, contacts, banking information, photos and passwords. In short, everything you have saved on your phone.
Internet and over 60s: download apps from official stores
If it's not an official store, such as the Google Play Store or Apple's App Store, don't download anything. Apps that prompt users to download them from unofficial sites are often unreliable. For example, you might find yourself downloading a fake app that steals sensitive data and information from your phone without your knowledge. Or you could also download a virus that could allow a cyber criminal to remotely control your phone.
Internet and the Over-60s: Checking Permissions
Another key step is learning to check and verify the permissions required by apps. Often apps require access to contacts, microphone, camera, gallery, even when there is no real need for them to work. Before giving out all the information, check it well and in case avoid downloading the app.
Internet and over 60s: recognize phishing attempts
Recognize the threat to avoid it. When you receive unexpected text messages or emails that appear to come from your bank or a friend, never let your guard down. If these suspicious messages ask for your passwords or to click on some link, it could be a phishing attempt by a hacker ready to steal your account credentials. When you receive these messages, it's always best to verify that the sender really sent them before falling into the traps of the network.