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.
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:
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.
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:
Tip for older users: Set up 2FA together and walk through what to expect. Write down backup codes and store them somewhere safe.
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:
Best advice: When in doubt, don’t click—and call the person or company directly using a trusted number.
Why it matters: Updates fix security holes. Outdated software is an easy target for hackers.
Make it simple:
Why it matters: Unsecured Wi-Fi is like leaving your front door wide open.
Checklist:
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.
Why it matters: Scammers often gather clues from Facebook to guess passwords or create fake personas.
Remind them:
If something happens like a hacked email or lost phone, it helps to have a plan in place.
Include:
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.