Note: This article has been updated in April 2025 to reflect the latest online safety practices and regulations.
The internet offers countless opportunities for connection, learning, and entertainment. However, it’s essential to navigate the digital world safely, especially with the evolving online threats. That’s why we’ve put together these updated online safety tips for seniors in 2025 — clear, practical advice to help you stay safe and confident online.
1. Use Strong and Unique Passwords
Creating strong passwords is the cornerstone of online safety. In 2025, cybercriminals use increasingly sophisticated methods to crack weak or reused passwords, so it’s vital to stay ahead.
A strong password should:
- Be at least 12 characters long
- Include a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters (like
!,@,#) - Avoid common words, names, or phrases such as “password123” or “john1962”
Example: Instead of using “grandma2025”, try something like “Tea!Time@5pm_London”.
Tips:
- Never write passwords on sticky notes near your computer
- Use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password
- If you prefer writing passwords down, use a coded system in a secure notebook
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an additional security step that requires both a password and a second method to verify your identity—usually a code sent to your phone or generated by an app.
Even if someone gets hold of your password, they can’t access your account without the second step.
Where to Use 2FA:
- Email accounts
- Banking and financial websites
- Social media and shopping sites
Many platforms now allow you to choose between receiving a code via text or using an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator.
3. Be Cautious of Phishing Scams
Phishing scams are attempts to steal your personal information through fake emails, texts, or websites. These messages may appear to come from trusted companies or people you know.
How to spot a phishing scam:
- Check for poor spelling or grammar
- Hover over links to see the true web address before clicking
- Verify the sender’s email address carefully
If you’re unsure, don’t click—go directly to the company’s official website or contact them using a phone number you trust.
4. Keep Your Software Updated
Regular updates fix security holes in your devices. Hackers target outdated software, so keeping your system up to date is a powerful defence.
What to keep updated:
- Your computer’s operating system (Windows, MacOS)
- Web browsers like Chrome, Edge, or Firefox
- Security and antivirus software
- Any apps you regularly use
Enable automatic updates where possible to save yourself the hassle of remembering.
5. Use Reliable Antivirus Software
Antivirus software acts like a guard dog, protecting your device from viruses, ransomware, spyware, and other online threats.
Features to look for:
- Real-time protection against new threats
- Scheduled and on-demand scanning
- Web browsing protection to warn about unsafe sites
Popular options include Norton, McAfee, Bitdefender, and free tools like Avast or Windows Defender (built into Windows 10/11).
6. Shop on Secure Websites
Online shopping is convenient, but it also presents risks. Use secure websites to protect your bank details and personal data.
How to tell a website is secure:
- It starts with “https://” not just “http://”
- A padlock icon appears in your browser’s address bar
Tips:
- Use a credit card for extra fraud protection
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi for purchases
- Stick to well-known and trusted retailers
7. Be Mindful on Social Media
Social media is great for staying in touch, but it can also expose personal details to strangers and scammers if not used carefully.
Protect yourself by:
- Setting your profile to private so only friends can see it
- Avoiding posts that include your home address, phone number, or holiday plans
- Being cautious about accepting new friend requests
Scammers can use your posts to guess passwords or launch social engineering attacks, so think before you share.
8. Recognize and Avoid Common Scams
Online scams come in many forms and can be incredibly convincing. Knowing the common types will help you avoid being caught out.
Types of scams to watch for:
- Lottery scams: You’re told you’ve won a prize but must pay a fee to claim it
- Tech support scams: Someone calls claiming your computer is infected and offers to “fix” it—for a price
- Romance scams: An online relationship quickly turns into a request for money
When in doubt, end the conversation and speak to someone you trust.
9. Protect Your Personal Information
Your data is valuable. Cybercriminals will try to steal it in order to access your accounts or even commit identity fraud.
What you can do:
- Never overshare on forms or websites unless it’s essential
- Use two-factor authentication for added security
- Regularly check bank and credit card statements for anything unusual
Consider signing up for bank alerts to be notified of activity in real time.
10. Stay Informed and Seek Support
Technology changes quickly, and so do the tricks scammers use. Staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself.
Ways to stay up to date:
- Join free online safety workshops from trusted sources like Age UK or AbilityNet
- Subscribe to newsletters from cybersecurity organisations like the NCSC
- Ask family or friends if you’re ever unsure about something online
Being proactive about your online safety gives you confidence and control. You’re never too old to learn!
Additional Resources
Explore these helpful online safety resources tailored for seniors in the UK. Below are specific links to websites offering further guidance and support:
- Age UK – Guidance tailored for older adults on staying safe online.
- ConnectSafely – A practical guide for older adults navigating the internet safely.
- UK Safer Internet Centre – Resources to help grandparents support their family’s online safety.
- Which? – Tips on identifying and avoiding common scams.
- Citizens Advice – Advice on recognizing and dealing with suspicious activity.
- NCSC – Practical advice from the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre.
- AbilityNet – A webinar offering essential online safety tips for seniors.