The most common online threats
Seniors are exposed to the same online risks as anyone else, as hackers have an expanding array of methods and tools to steal money and data from users and destroy their devices by spreading dangerous files and scams all over the web. Some of the most common online threats that are directly affecting seniors are:
- Malware: malware is software designed to ruin a computer, steal all its data, and take advantage of the finances of unsuspecting users. The most typical types of malware are ransomware, trojans, and spyware.
- Data breaches: the release of private information, like email addresses, usernames, passwords, and even credit card numbers and Social Security numbers, to the general public and dark web servers Some of the most recent high-profile data breaches targeted millions of Facebook and LinkedIn users.
- Scams: Hackers are continuously developing new ways to deceive as many people as possible into sharing their personal information and money, such as scam emails, text messages, websites, social media accounts, and online dating profiles.
- Identity theft: using someone else’s private information, like name, social security number, and credit card, without giving permission
Luckily, these attacks could be easily prevented with a couple of simple tips.
