Data Privacy Week (January 26-30, 2026) is a great time to take stock of how your personal information is circulating through the web. The goal of Data Privacy Week is to empower individuals of all ages to better control their digital personal information and stay safe online.
If you use a phone, computer, or tablet, you’re part of the digital world. That world can be incredibly helpful; it keeps you connected, saves time, and makes everyday tasks easier. However, it also comes with real risks, like scams, data breaches, hacked accounts, and companies storing (or selling) more information than you might realize.
You don’t need to become a technology expert to stay safe online. A little awareness and a few data privacy habits can go a long way when it comes to online safety for seniors.
Why online safety for seniors is so important
Your personal information is valuable. Your name, phone number, birthday, email address, and passwords all tell a story about you. They also give vital access to some of your most personal accounts and information, like banking, home address, and other sensitive details.
Most websites and services use that information for good – for convenience or personalization – like Talbots sending you a birthday coupon or GoGoGrandparent having your phone number on file to schedule your rides and services smoothly.
But sadly, there are also people on the web who try to misuse your personal information. Sometimes that happens through scams like fake emails or phone calls. Other times, it’s quieter and harder to see:
- Hackers can break into large company databases and steal information in bulk.
- Old passwords from years ago can resurface if a website has a data breach.
- Even clicking an unfamiliar link or downloading the wrong attachment from text or email can give someone access without you realizing it right away.
That’s what makes cyber security for seniors feel tricky. It’s not always about something you did wrong. Sometimes, the data privacy leak seems to be happening “behind the scenes.”
That’s why it’s so important to take small steps to stay safe online and protect yourself where you can. Below are some of the simplest ways to promote cyber security for seniors.
1. Use different passwords for different accounts
You’ve probably heard that passwords should be long or complicated (and impossible to remember). And yes, stronger passwords can help deter hackers.
But it’s not always that straightforward. Most of the time, hackers aren’t sitting around trying to guess your password.
Instead, they often rely on information received from data privacy breaches. For example, a person might hack into a website and steal your personal information that’s stored on that website. Included in that information is your password used for that site.
If you’ve reused that same password on other sites or accounts, that hacker can now easily gain access to multiple accounts at once. They often even have software that automatically attempts that password in other common sites.
That’s why the password itself matters less than using different passwords for different accounts. If one account is compromised, your others can still stay protected – a a simple way to maintain online safety for seniors.
2. Store your passwords safely
The tricky part, of course, is that once you start using different passwords for different accounts, you suddenly have a lot to keep track of (sometimes hundreds!).
What matters most for online safety for seniors is keeping your passwords somewhere secure and out of sight. Some people feel comfortable using a trusted password manager on their computer. Others prefer writing passwords down and storing them in a safe place at home, like a locked drawer or a notebook that isn’t sitting next to the computer.
What’s worth avoiding is saving passwords in obvious places or sharing them through email or text. Those spots are easier for someone else to access if a device is lost or compromised.
3. Avoid inputting sensitive data while using public Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is convenient. Coffee shops, waiting rooms, and airports all offer it. For casual browsing, it’s usually fine. But it’s best to save sensitive tasks for home. Things like banking, medical portals, or changing account information are safer on a private connection.
That’s because public Wi-Fi networks are more open. Other people on the same network may be able to see activity moving across it, especially on unsecured connections. Public networks are also easier for hackers to target because so many people use them at once. So, using your home internet for private tasks adds an extra layer of cyber security for seniors.
4. Read data privacy policies to stay safe online
A privacy policy is a document that explains what personal information a website or app collects about you, why they collect it, and how they use or share that information. It’s meant to give transparency… but they’re usually long, wordy, and confusing.
But you don’t have to read every line to get the idea. A quick skim of the privacy policy can tell you what kind of information is being collected, whether it’s shared with other companies, and how long it’s kept. Look for sections about personal data privacy, sharing information, or data storage. If something feels unnecessary or overly invasive, that’s useful information. You’re allowed to decide whether a website or service feels worth it to you.
Tip: You can usually find a company’s privacy policy at the bottom of their website, often labeled “Privacy Policy” or “Privacy.” In apps, it’s typically tucked into the settings menu or linked on the sign-up screen.
5. Take a moment with the terms of services
Most of us are guilty of clicking “I agree” on terms of service without a second thought. And that’s understandable. But terms of service explain how your information will actually be used.
A terms of service agreement explains the rules for using a service. It outlines what the company provides, what they expect from you, and how your information may be used or stored once you sign up. You usually must “agree” when making a purchase or signing up for a website, subscription, or service.
Before agreeing, it can help to pause and ask yourself a simple question. Does this service really need this much information to work?
You don’t need to understand every detail. Just getting a sense of how your data might be stored or shared can help you stay safe online and avoid surprises later. If reading through the terms of service feels stressful, you can ask a trusted friend, neighbor, or family member to help make sure everything is in order.
6. Stay safe online by being selective about what you share
When a website or app asks for personal information, it’s okay to stop and ask yourself a few things. Is this information necessary? What purpose does it serve? What happens if I choose not to share it?
You’ll often find that you can leave certain fields blank or skip optional questions. Being selective about your data privacy doesn’t mean being secretive. It just means sharing thoughtfully, which is a big part of online safety for seniors.
7. Install necessary updates on your devices
Those little update notifications that pop up on your phone or computer can feel inconvenient, especially when you’re busy or tired. But phone updates do more than add new features or change how things look.
Many updates include important security fixes that help you stay safe online. They close gaps that hackers and malicious software can take advantage of. When updates are delayed for too long, your phone can become easier to hack without you realizing it.
If possible, try to install updates as soon as possible. And only make updates when you’re at home and connected to your own person Wi-Fi.
Tip: If updates feel confusing or stressful, it’s okay to ask for help. A family member, a trusted friend, or even a scheduled home service can make sure your phone has proper data privacy systems in place.
8. Ask questions when something doesn’t feel right
If you’re ever unsure about a website, email or text, or how your information is being used, reaching out for help is a smart move.
That might mean contacting a company’s privacy or customer support team directly or asking a trusted family member. Or it might mean selectively choosing to work with services that offer real human support, like GoGoGrandparent, where you can always talk to a human who helps explain things clearly.
Asking questions is part of staying confident and protected online. And confidence goes a long way when it comes to data privacy and cyber security for seniors.
Promoting online safety for seniors one step at a time
Cyber security for seniors is sustained by small habits that help you stay safe online, like using different passwords, being thoughtful about what you share and where you share it, and asking questions when something doesn’t sit right. Those little habits stack up to help you stay safe online.
This Data Privacy Week, take a moment to give yourself credit for what you already do well. Then choose one more small step that helps you feel more confident moving through the digital world.
One of the key benefits of GoGoGrandparent is that we offer real, human support – someone you can call, talk to, and ask questions. If you have any questions about our services, terms of use, or how we use your information, feel free to contact us by phone at 1 (855) 464-6872 or by email at support@gogograndparent.com.
