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Seniors boost digital defense: Project Safeguard champions password security
McCOOK, Neb. — In the modern digital age, older people increasingly embrace technology to stay connected with loved ones, access information, and engage with the world. However, with this shift toward online platforms comes the crucial need for seniors to prioritize their digital security, particularly regarding password protection.
Recently, Alyssa Spulak led a presentation on technology safety and security at the McCook Senior Center. Alyssa is the Corporate training manager at Viaero Wireless. The presentation was called ‘Project Safeguard’. Alyssa’s husband, Tim Spulak, who works at 2020 Technology, served as a Security Technology consultant, and Terry Tigner assisted in developing the curriculum. Of the participation, Alyssa said, “We were in the double digits; some weeks were higher.” She said they had about 13 seniors participate in the first week, and in the last week, they had about 20 participants.
As part of a broader effort to raise awareness of cybersecurity best practices for seniors, the trio highlighted the importance of implementing strong password security measures. Passwords serve as the first defense against unauthorized access to personal accounts, making it essential for seniors to adopt secure practices to safeguard their sensitive information.
Alyssa recommends using a physical password books similar in appearance to old telephone address books. She said “It makes it easy for them to remember harder-to-guess passwords and having a physical form versus putting it in like their notepad on their phone.”One key recommendation for seniors is to create strong, unique online account passwords. By avoiding common phrases, birthdates, or quickly guessable information, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cyber threats such as hacking or identity theft.
Using a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters can further enhance the complexity of a password, making it harder for malicious actors to crack.
Additionally, seniors are urged to refrain from sharing their passwords with others, including family members or caregivers, unless necessary. Maintaining the confidentiality of login credentials is crucial in ensuring the security of online personal data. Moreover, regularly updating passwords and enabling two-factor authentication can add an extra layer of protection against potential breaches.
Education and awareness are pivotal in empowering seniors to navigate the digital landscape safely.
Resources such as online tutorials, workshops, and community seminars can provide valuable guidance on password security and other cybersecurity practices tailored to the elderly demographic. By staying informed and proactive, seniors can bolster their defenses against cyber threats and enjoy a more secure online experience.
Recent Statistics
30% of internet users have experienced a data breach due to weak passwords.
Two-thirds of Americans use the same password across multiple accounts.
The most used password is “123456.”
59% of US adults use birthdays or names in their passwords.
13% of Americans use the same password for every account.
How to create a strong password
It should be at least 12 characters long, but 14 or more is better.
Not a word that can be found in a dictionary or the name of a person, character, product, or organization.
A combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Make it significantly different from your previous passwords.
Easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess.