As more of our lives move online—banking, healthcare, communication—it’s more important than ever to help our aging parents stay safe from cyber threats. The good news? A few simple best practices can dramatically reduce the risk of online scams, identity theft, and password breaches.
And while we’re helping them, let’s be honest: most of us could use a refresher too.
Here’s a friendly guide to protecting your family’s digital lives, no tech degree required.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords (and Never Reuse Them!)
Why it matters: If Mom uses the same password for her email and her online pharmacy account, a single data breach could compromise everything.
Best practices:
- 12 characters minimum (longer = stronger)
- Include uppercase + lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
- Avoid personal info like birthdays, pet names, or "123456"
Easy solution: Use a password manager like LastPass, 1Password, Bitwarden, or Dashlane. These tools generate and remember strong passwords, so you don’t have to. They can also be securely shared with trusted family members who are helping manage a parent’s personal affairs.
Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Why it matters: Even if a hacker guesses a password, 2FA adds a second layer of security, usually a text message code or authentication app prompt.
Where to use it:
- Email accounts (especially Gmail, Outlook)
- Online banking and retirement accounts
- Healthcare portals (MyChart, etc.)
- Amazon or any shopping site with stored credit cards
Tip for older users: Set up 2FA together and walk through what to expect. Write down backup codes and store them somewhere safe.
Watch for Phishing Scams
Why it matters: Many cyberattacks start with a fake email, text, or phone call designed to trick you into giving up personal info.
Red flags to teach your parents:
- Urgent messages asking for money or account access
- Unexpected password reset emails
- Attachments from unfamiliar senders
- “Government” or “bank” calls requesting personal data
Best advice: When in doubt, don’t click—and call the person or company directly using a trusted number.
Keep Devices Updated
Why it matters: Updates fix security holes. Outdated software is an easy target for hackers.
Make it simple:
- Turn on automatic updates for phones, tablets, and computers
- Update apps (especially browsers, antivirus, and banking apps)
Use Secure Wi-Fi at Home
Why it matters: Unsecured Wi-Fi is like leaving your front door wide open.
Checklist:
- Change the router’s default password
- Use WPA3 encryption if available
- Avoid logging into sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi (like airports or cafes)
Talk About Online Scams—Openly and Often
Why it matters: Scammers prey on isolation and fear. An open line of communication makes your loved ones less vulnerable.
Start with:
“Mom, did you hear about that scam going around on Facebook?”
“Have you ever gotten one of those weird texts from a number you don’t know?”
Normalize asking questions. Let them know it’s okay to double-check with you before clicking or sharing anything online.
Limit Oversharing on Social Media
Why it matters: Scammers often gather clues from Facebook to guess passwords or create fake personas.
Remind them:
- Never share birthdates, travel plans, or family nicknames publicly
- Check privacy settings regularly
Bonus Tip: Keep a Digital Emergency Plan
If something happens like a hacked email or lost phone, it helps to have a plan in place.
Include:
- List of important account logins (stored in a password manager or securely on paper)
- Trusted emergency contacts
- Steps to recover accounts or freeze credit if needed
A Few Final Words
Helping our aging parents stay safe online doesn’t mean scaring them—it’s about empowering them with tools and habits that build confidence. With just a few changes, they (and you!) can stay ahead of most common threats.
Need help keeping household payroll data secure? At HomeWork Solutions, we’ve prioritized security and privacy for over 30 years. Just one example, we require MFA on all our user accounts.
When you trust us with payroll and taxes for your nanny or senior caregiver, you can rest easy knowing their personal info is in safe hands.
Let’s keep our families safe, smart, and just a little bit more cyber-savvy.
Because peace of mind is the best protection of all.
And if you're looking for that same peace of mind when it comes to household payroll and tax compliance, we're here to help. Whether you're hiring a nanny, senior caregiver, or other household employee, we’d be happy to schedule a free consultation to walk you through your responsibilities and how we can take the stress off your plate.