Cybersecurity Awareness Month

As technology becomes more central to our daily lives, staying safe online is more important than ever, especially for older adults. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a nationwide effort to raise awareness about digital safety and help people protect themselves from online threats.

For seniors living on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland, the internet offers many benefits, from staying in touch with loved ones to accessing healthcare and managing finances. But it also comes with risks. Scammers often target older adults with fake emails, phone calls, and websites designed to steal personal information or money.

Why Cybersecurity Matters for Seniors

Older adults may be more vulnerable to cybercrime for several reasons:

• They may be less familiar with technology.
• They tend to be more trusting of strangers.
• They often have retirement savings or benefits that scammers want to access.

According to the FBI, seniors lost $4.8 billion to online scams in 2024. These crimes can cause financial hardship, emotional distress, and even loss of independence.

How You Can Stay Safe Online

Here are a few simple tips to help protect yourself and your loved ones:

• Think Before You Click: Don’t open emails or links from people you don’t know.
• Use Strong Passwords: Create passwords that are hard to guess and don’t reuse them across different accounts.
• Don’t Share Personal Info: Never give out your Social Security number, bank details, or Medicare information unless you’re sure it’s safe.
• Hang Up on Suspicious Calls: If someone calls claiming to be from tech support or a government agency and asks for money or information, it’s likely a scam.
• Ask for Help: If something doesn’t feel right, talk to a trusted family member or contact a local agency like MAC Inc. for guidance.

Resources for Seniors

• https://www.ncoa.org/article/online-safety-for-seniors
• https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/scam-alerts
• https://www.cisa.gov/stopthinkconnect

Final Thoughts

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a great time to start conversations about online safety. Whether you’re a senior, a caregiver, or a concerned neighbor, we all have a role to play in protecting our community.

Let’s work together to make the Lower Eastern Shore a safer place, online and off.