Safeguarding Your Parents: A Guide to Protecting Seniors from Online Scams

Helping older family members navigate the complexities of the internet can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to the dangers of unsolicited links and digital scams. If you find yourself in a situation similar to mine, where your 75-year-old parent struggles to grasp safe online practices, you may be looking for effective solutions to enhance their online security.

The Challenge of Online Safety for Seniors

My mother, a member of the Baby Boomer generation, has a penchant for clicking on every link she encounters. Be it advertisements on social media, suspicious URLs in spam emails, or enticing text messages, she often falls prey to online scams. While we’ve had some success in recovering lost money, her computer is unfortunately filled with malware and tracking cookies that pose further risks.

Attempts at rational discussions about internet safety often fall flat, positioning me in a catch-22; any feedback tends to be perceived as criticism, making it a challenge to communicate effectively. Consequently, I’m seeking alternative methods to shield her from the pitfalls of the internet.

Strategies for Blocking Dangerous Content

Given the circumstances, I have shifted my focus to network-level solutions capable of filtering harmful traffic and preventing access to unsafe websites for both her computer and iPhone.

Exploring DNS Services

One effective approach may involve utilizing a Domain Name System (DNS) service known for its comprehensive blacklist features. In the past, services like OpenDNS offered customizable options to block specific content categories, and I am on the lookout for similar alternatives today. If you have experience in this area and know of reputable services that can help manage risk, your recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Although I am fairly tech-savvy and can follow technical guides, I am not as familiar with all the available services. Given that my mother is currently using AT&T U-Verse and their proprietary gateway network, I am prepared to introduce non-ATT devices to the network if necessary, but switching internet providers is off the table.

Taking Action

Recent advice from the community has been incredibly helpful. I have decided to get started with NextDNS, increasing security settings in Chrome, and installing uBlock Origin to help filter unwanted content on her browser. I am also optimistic that NextDNS will provide additional protection on her iPhone. While I am considering exploring network-level solutions such as a Pi-hole for future improvements, that will be a project for another time.

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