I've been trying to keep my older parents safe from online scams, but they're not too tech-savvy and have fallen victim to scams before. For instance, my dad once accidentally sent his social security number to a scam site. I want to monitor their internet usage and get alerts if they visit suspicious sites, but I'm not really sure how to go about it. I've tried educating them, but they still seem to get fooled easily. Any tips on effective tools or strategies would be greatly appreciated!
5 Answers
You might want to check out Seraph Secure. It's a software designed for people like your parents that helps block scam websites and provides alerts if they might be getting scammed. The free version covers decent features, and it could really help keep them safe without you having to constantly monitor them!
I've set up a few things for my parents that work really well. First off, we have a family account for a digital password manager so all their passwords are safe and unique. I also enabled multi-factor authentication on their accounts. Then, I installed Pi-hole, which blocks ads and malicious sites at home. Besides that, I froze our family's Social Security numbers with the credit bureaus, and we have regular chats about common scams. This has really helped raise their awareness!
Adding to that, enforcing HTTPS and using DNS-over-HTTPS is a solid way to keep things secure!
I've learned that getting them signed up for credit monitoring services is pretty important too. While teaching them to be safe online is ideal, these services can alert you if there are any suspicious activities on their accounts. It's all about giving them the best safety net.
Honestly, it's hard to keep loved ones safe online without just watching them all the time. One strategy could be using DNS filtering to block harmful sites and setting their browsers to the highest security settings. You could also install antivirus software that offers browser protection. I've even put stickers on my family's monitors with reminders not to share personal info. It seems silly, but it helps!
Suggesting that they follow the r/scams subreddit might be beneficial. It educates people about the latest scam tactics, especially since seniors often get targeted. Regular discussions about specific scams they've heard about can make a big difference in awareness.
But isn't that just trying to filter out scams instead of really teaching them?