Password Protection for Aging Loved Ones

After working with elders for over 15 years I am constantly reminded of the importance of protecting our loved ones safe and sound, especially when it comes to navigating the digital jungle and protecting them from fraud. Today, I want to chat with you about a crucial topic, protecting your aging parents from online threats by beefing up their password protection. 

Protection Trifecta Components

Now, before we dive in, let’s discuss a fundamental concept. Picture this: to have full protection online, it’s like making a digital sandwich—you need two of three things: something you have, something you are, and something you know.

Now, let’s break down these components:

Something You Have: This refers to a physical/tangible item that only the user possesses, such as a smartphone, a security token, or a physical key.


Something You Are: This involves your physical characteristics unique to an individual, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or voice patterns.


Something You Know: Traditional passwords, PINs, or security questions fall under this category. They rely on the user’s memory for authentication.


Biometrics 

Biometrics is a term you may or may not have heard. These traits are unique to each person and can be used for identification and access control. For instance, fingerprints are one of the most common biometric identifiers. They’re unique to each individual and can serve as a highly secure method of authentication. Others include facial recognition, iris scans and voice recognition.

Multi-Factor Authentication

TalkElder’s IT professional states that if a hacker gets a hold of your email password they can wipe out your bank accounts in less than ONE HOUR!!!! Here is a scenario we have all dealt with at some point. 

You go to log-in to an account and you have forgotten your password. You push the “Forgot Password” button. You are sent a one time “reset password” link to your email.  SO…this means the bad guy who has access to your email can change your password in a matter of seconds and you have lost access. This includes YOUR BANK! 

So, let’s prevent this by talking about multifactor authentication (MFA), which is a MUST for password security. MFA combines two or more of the protection trifecta. Let me give you a quick explanation of how it works.  Now stay with me…we do this all the time without thinking it is just weird seeing it in writing. 

You have a common device you use all the time such as your phone (something you have).  The password gods recognize your registered device because you have confirmed it is you with your password (something you know).  Then, you get onto a new device (a laptop) (something you have) and put in your password (something you know).  The laptop is not recognized so it sends a code via text message to your phone which you open with your face recognition (something you are) and you enter the code into the new laptop to prove that it is you.  DONE…MULTIFACTOR AUTHENTICATION!  

Great thing about this process.  Here is another scenario.

Bad guy logs into your account. You get an email stating a new device is attempting to get into your account.  Not you??? You deny access and the bad guy hits a brick wall!!  YOU ARE SECURE!

Password Management

An overwhelming number of Americans (39%) use their pet’s name as part of their password, according to new data from Aura, (Fluffy123! anyone).  A password manager, such as BitWarden, LastPass, OnePass protects by generating strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts, it puts up a solid defense against cyber intruders.

Another bonus ggle a gazillion passwords in your head or referencing the very secure sticky note on your keyboard with your passwords scrawled of trying to ju on it,a password only requires you to remember one master password to open the vault to all your passwords. 

One downside is disassembling the spider web of passwords from your past and setting up the new ones can be time consuming. 

Keep reading on how TalkElder can help with this!

TalkElder always recommends hfor anything important, and this is why we suggest a “Password Buddy.”  Someone you trust, such as your Medical Power of Attorney, Executor, or a family member, should have access to your master password or know where it is located (in a fireproof/floodproof safe) in case of an emergency, your death, or if you simply forget it. 

Is this overwhelming? TalkElder is here to help! 

Our brilliant, patient, and caring IT Expert, Ayric Ingram, to help you protect yourself. Ayric offers a special hourly rate to get our TalkElder readers and their Password Buddies up and running on a password manager.

The package includes: 

1. Disable all passwords on existing browsers and check for fraudulent activity
2. Set up a master password and enter your existing passwords into the Bitwarden password manager software (Ayric will not create the password nor have access to it)
3. Set up your devices
4. 1-month of on-call support account access and assistance
5. Continued Support (hourly rate applies)

These services are $125/hour.  Please contact Ayric at [email protected]

By taking these proactive steps, you can help your aging parents stay safe in an increasingly digital world. Remember, a little effort in enhancing password security today can prevent a lot of heartache and financial loss tomorrow.

Stay vigilant, stay informed, and keep advocating for the safety of your loved ones.

Together…