Navigating the Digital Minefield: Solutions for Keeping Your Loved Ones Safe Online

In today’s fast-paced digital world, ensuring our family members, especially older ones, safely navigate the internet can be a daunting task. One common scenario involves loved ones, particularly those from the Baby Boomer generation, who might not fully grasp the concerns surrounding online security. A personal tale highlights this exact challenge.

A concerned child is facing a familiar dilemma: their 75-year-old mother continuously clicks on every link she encounters. Whether it’s a dubious ad on Facebook, a suspicious text message, or a link in a spam email, her inclination to click without hesitation has led to countless run-ins with online scammers, though she has thankfully managed to recover her lost funds. Unfortunately, her computer has also become a hotspot for malware and tracking cookies.

The Challenge of Communication

When it comes to discussing internet safety with her, rational discussions tend to fall flat, as feedback is often perceived as criticism. This leads to the search for more practical, technological solutions that can actively protect her online without involving constant reminders about safe browsing habits.

Exploring Technical Solutions

Considering the unique nuances of this situation, implementing network-level safety measures could be an effective route. The appeal for assistance lies in finding a robust DNS service that can filter and block access to potentially dangerous sites. In the past, OpenDNS was a go-to for many due to its blacklist feature, but it’s essential to explore updated options available today.

For someone who is tech-savvy enough to understand DNS but not deeply familiar with every service out there, the search can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there are several solutions worth considering to bolster online safety.

Recommended Services

NextDNS: This service allows users to create customized blocklists and offers parental control features. Its ability to filter out harmful content could serve as a protective barrier on her devices, including her iPhone.
Network Enhancements: Adjusting Chrome’s security settings to the highest level and installing ad-blockers like uBlock Origin can further aid in safeguarding her browsing experience.
Exploring Raspberry Pi Solutions: While it may require a bit more setup, using a Raspberry Pi as a dedicated DNS server can provide an additional layer of security for the home network, filtering requests and ensuring harmful sites are blocked.
Router Considerations: While using an ATT U-verse gateway, exploring the possibility of introducing a non-ATT device