Cyber Safety for Seniors 

Health Compare
Aug 6, 2026

Spending time online these days? You’re not alone. According to Pew Research, 9 in 10 adults aged 65 and older are now online, and it’s easy to see why. From video calls with grandkids to managing health care and finances, the internet offers real convenience.

A few simple habits can make sure you don’t sacrifice safety for the sake of that convenience.

Cyber safety sounds technical, but it really comes down to a handful of habits. The good news: most online scams and security breaches are preventable, and you don’t need to be a tech expert to protect yourself.

Here’s what you need to know.

Password best practices

Passwords are still the first line of defense for protecting your information online. Here are a few tips for creating strong passwords:

• Don’t share them with anyone outside a circle of people you trust, such as your spouse or a regular caretaker who may need access to certain accounts. Keep passwords on a need-to-know basis.

• Use different passwords for each site. This can be a challenge, since so many websites now require them, but creating unique passwords makes it harder for data thieves to access all of your accounts in one go.

• Choose long phrases over shorter options, ideally 16+ characters. Choose longer phrases, such as a sentence with varying special characters, and don’t include identifying information, like your birth year or street name.

• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA). If you’re not familiar with MFA, it’s a secondary method for protecting access to your online accounts. With MFA, you have to provide other information, such as a 6-digit code sent to your personal phone, along with your password, to access your account.

And if you have trouble remembering all of your passwords, consider a digital password keeper. It’s safer than writing them down or storing them in an unsecured document on your computer. PC Mag reviews and recommends different online privacy options here.

When sharing isn’t caring

Scammers often target older adults because they tend to be more trusting, less familiar with digital red flags, and may have retirement savings or benefits that make them attractive targets. Knowing what to look for is your best protection.

• Keep details to yourself.

Don’t share personal, medical, or financial details in response to unsolicited calls, texts, emails, or messages — even if the person seems to know who you are. If you think it’s a legitimate message, call the person or business directly to confirm.

• Only respond to a number you know.

Don’t respond to texts, emails, or direct messages from unknown senders. If a message asks you to click a link, provide account details, or confirm your Social Security number, ignore it unless you’re expecting the message.

• Click links with caution.

Don’t click links when you’re not sure where they lead. Hover over a link (on a desktop) to see the actual web address before clicking. When in doubt, go directly to a company’s website by typing the address yourself.

• Set social accounts to private.

Only share information – including photos – with people you know. Limiting who can see your posts and personal details makes it harder for scammers to gather information about you.

Common online scams

Stay alert when you’re online, and watch for common scams that target older audiences, such as:

• Medicare and insurance scams. You may receive calls or mailings offering “free” medical equipment, tests, or services in exchange for your Medicare number. Treat your Medicare number like a credit card — don’t share it unless you initiated the contact.

• Grandparent scams. A caller claims to be a grandchild (or a police officer or lawyer representing one) in urgent trouble and asks for money immediately. Scammers count on your fear and a sense of urgency to override your better judgment. Hang up and call your family member directly.

• Tech support scams. A pop-up or phone call warns that your computer has a virus and instructs you to call a number or grant remote access. Legitimate tech companies don’t reach out to you this way.

• Lottery and sweepstakes scams. If you’ve “won” something but need to pay a fee or provide banking information to claim it, it’s a scam. Real prizes don’t require payment up front.

• Romance scams. Scammers create fake online profiles to build relationships over time, then eventually ask for money. If someone you’ve only met online asks for financial help, that’s a big red flag.

How to report scams and fraud

If you believe you’ve been targeted or victimized by an online scam, report it. Your report can help protect others from the same scheme.

Report online scams, fraud, or suspicious activity to one or more of the following entities:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) | reportfraud.ftc.gov
• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) | ic3.gov
• Your state attorney general’s office | https://www.usa.gov/state-attorney-general
• Medicare | medicare.gov/fraud

You can also report scams and frauds to local law enforcement, especially if you’ve lost money or you’re dealing with immediate threats to your safety.

If you’re unsure whether something is a scam, trust your instincts. Take your time, talk to someone you trust, and never feel pressured to act immediately. Scammers rely on urgency — a legitimate organization will always give you time to think.

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