Digital safety for every generation: Strategies to stay secure online

Published: October 8, 2024

People from different generation using technology.

Welcome to week two of U of T’s Cyber Security Awareness Month campaign! Drawing inspiration from the Canadian Government’s campaign, this week we will explore steps different generations can take to protect themselves online.

Read on to explore different generational preferences, habits and approaches to online security.

What generation do you belong to and how do you protect yourself online?

The connected generation

Are you the most connected generation, with most of your interactions happening online? Spending more time online means greater exposure to cybercrime, including phishing and cyberbullying. It also means more opportunities for attackers to collect your data as you access unencrypted public Wi-Fi while you travel or cafe-hop with friends.

Here are some steps you can take to stay safely connected:

Modify your privacy settings to reduce the amount of personal information visible on your online accounts.
Pro tip: Change your social media accounts to private and avoid oversharing.
Create strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts. Reusing the same password across multiple accounts puts all your accounts at risk if one gets compromised.
Pro tip: Use a password manager.
Only download apps that you need or regularly use. Learn more about mobile app privacy and security guidelines.
Use websites that begin with “https” to ensure your connection is encrypted and secure.
Pro tip: You can set up HTTPS-only mode for your browser. Learn more about safe web browsing from the Information Security handbook.

The early tech adopters

Are you the generation of early tech adopters that grew up alongside the internet? While the willingness to embrace new technologies is definitely an asset, it also comes with security threats as you embrace remote work, social media, smart devices and online shopping.

Here are some steps you can take to stay safe online:

Stay cautious of malicious websites and think twice before clicking on unfamiliar links. What could be behind that link? It could be a malicious website, or a scam designed to steal your personal information. It’s often hard to tell until it’s too late.
Your apps and devices frequently prompt you for updates, which often include critical security fixes. Take a moment to install these updates to enhance your protection. Additionally, use these prompts as an opportunity to evaluate whether you still use the app. If not, delete it and any related accounts or data, reducing potential vulnerabilities.
As you become homeowners and incorporate smart devices into your home, ensure you are securely setting up your home network. Learn more about network cyber security from the Government of Canada.
When working remotely, use a VPN to keep sensitive information secure.
Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added protection.

The pre-internet generation

Are you part of the pre-internet generation that embraced digital technology later in life? You may feel less confident when using digital platforms. Additionally, over the years, you may have accumulated accounts that are now unused and unprotected.

Here are some steps you can take to explore the digital world with confidence:

Watch out for cyber fraud and phishing. Be cautious of texts, emails or phone calls that seem suspicious. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Delete any old accounts you no longer use. This will help reduce your digital footprint and make you less susceptible to hacking.
Be mindful of how you share sensitive information. Avoid sending personal information through unencrypted emails or attachments.
Create strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts to enhance your online security. Activate MFA to add an extra layer of protection to your accounts.

Is this too much to remember? Build your personalized security plan with the Consumer Reports Security Planner.

No matter our generation, we all care about the people in our lives and want to protect them. Why not show your appreciation to those people in your life with the gift of security? The University of Toronto is offering 1Password licenses to its staff, faculty and students. As part of this offer, you can invite up to four family members to join at no additional cost! Learn more about 1Password for the U of T community.

Remember, online security affects everyone, regardless of when they were born!

News & updates

News & updates

News & updates