The average Canadian is online over 36.3 hours a month, visiting an average of 80 sites

If you are like most seniors, you have probably discovered the advantages of interacting online, whether it’s to see pictures of the grandchildren, exchange email with friends, shop, bank and post on social media. You can even look at real estate listings online. Whether you use your desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smart phone, you can stay connected to the world, even if you don’t go out much. Despite the convenience, widespread use of electronic a poses privacy concerns that you need to be aware of the, courtesy of The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

Nearly 88% of the Canadian population use the Internet, which makes Internet use in Canada the highest in the world. The average Canadian is online over 36.3 hours a month, visiting an average of 80 sites. Part of the increase in Internet usage worldwide and certainly in Canada is due to the prevalence of smart phones, which enable you to access the Internet anywhere you are.

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Protect Your Online Privacy

Here are some tips for using technology wisely.

– Install antivirus and security software on your devices and update them frequently. New viruses and security threats are always popping up, as hackers seek ways to steal your identity. If you can’t afford reasonably priced protection, look for a free antivirus program such as AVG.

– Use the locking feature on your devices, especially when you take your tablet or cell phone out in public.

– Secure your home Wi-Fi with a password. If you happen to access Internet at Tim Horton’s, or some other public place, don’t conduct financial transactions as the hotspot they offer may not be secure.

– Use good password hygiene by setting up hard-to-guess passwords and changing them periodically. While it is tempting to use the same password for multiple sites, you should vary them for your accounts. Keep a list of your passwords so you can access them if you forget them.

– Be smart about your social network posting. Facebook and other social sites are not the place to share your dirty laundry or share too much personal information. While you might want to post the good news about your two-month long trip to France, posting information and pictures about your vacation on social sites can alert burglars that your home is vacant.

– Careful about divulging personal information, especially your social insurance number. This holds true anytime any time, whether you are completing a paper form or working online. The purpose of your social insurance number is for reporting income. You do not want to fall into the wrong hands.

– Be aware of what sites are asking for when you give permission to install apps on Facebook or other sites. If a site asks for information about you, such as your location, contacts, device ID, camera or media files, understand what the company will do with the information before you click “I agree.”

– When you shop or bank online, stick with secure sites that start with “https” in the address bar. This means that the site owners have protected you by establishing an encrypted link between your browser and their Web server. When you share credit card information or other personal data, a secured site keeps the information private by scrambling it

Keep Your Privacy Contact When You Go Online

Using the Internet can be an easy way to pay a bill, order anything under the sun, and stay in touch. Just be sure you do not sacrifice your privacy by following the tips noted above.

If you are looking to buy or sell a house with a space that can be an income unit or separate space for parents or children, call me today. If you are ready to sell your home for maximum value, the best place to start is by clicking here and scheduling an appointment.

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Roy Thomas SRES® (Senior’s Real Estate Specialist) is a REALTOR® with Sutton Group Professional Realty. Since 1991, Roy specializes in helping retirees with their later in life real estate transactions. Call Roy at 902-497-3031 or contact Roy here

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