You Don't Need to be a Computer Expert to Stay Safe Online-You Just Need the Right Digital Amor

There are many ways for the thieves to get your money, Passwords are “Your First Line of Defense.” I have spoken with many seniors throughout the last several years and the common response is that they are inconvenienced with strong passwords, changing passwords, and mostly remembering their passwords. 

This type of apathy is the root cause of many seniors becoming victims of a fraudulent attack and thus a loss of their hard-earned fortunes. Here are  the real facts surrounding the value of strong passwords. 

5 Reasons Seniors need Strong Passwords

1. Strong Passwords = First Line of Defense 

Weak passwords are the beginning of the end of your digital security. Each digital device needs a password for access to operate. That password decides “Who is allowed in” and “Who is locked out”. 

2. Your Devices Capture Personal Information Automatically 

Newer digital devices store your information i.e. your name, addresses, phone numbers, photos, contacts, emails and even saved passwords – sometimes without the user even being aware of it.

3. Weak Passwords = Multiple Accounts Vulnerable 

Weak passwords or reusing the same password repeatedly, will make you vulnerable to a digital thief gaining access to many of your accounts. Remember: Security is Not Convenient and Convenience is Not Secure 

4. Strong Passwords Slow Down Automated Attacks 

There are computer programs used to scrape the internet, taking your weak passwords to many websites looking for easy access to your accounts. Complex passwords dramatically increase the time and computing power required to crack your passwords. 

5. Digital Thieves can Unlock Simple Passwords 

Once a thief has stolen your password from a data-breach, phishing email or a fake Amazon alert, then the thief goes into hyper-speed testing with an automation tool called a credential-stuffing tool that can search millions of websites, using your password and email address to login into as many website accounts of yours as possible, giving access to many of your accounts.

In summary, strong passwords are the first line of defense when operating your digital devices. Digital Best Practices are essential in today’s online world.

Listen to Jim on episode 213 and 217 of our podcast, Aging Starts Now.

Jim Hughes

Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist 

Jim is a nationally recognized Identity Theft Awareness advocate with 20+ years of speaking and

teaching experience.  J

Author of “The Digital War” subtitled “Protecting Seniors from Online Scams, Identity Theft, and Digital Exploitation” 

Purchase the E-book at https://business-risk-solutions.kit.com/products/the-digital-war

Contact:  jim@businessrisksolutions.ne