Protecting Your Loved Ones: Tips for Safer Internet Browsing for Seniors

In today’s digital landscape, navigating the internet can be a minefield, especially for older adults who may not fully grasp the risks involved. I recently faced this challenge with my 75-year-old mother, who has a tendency to click on every link that comes her way—be it advertisements on social media, unsolicited emails, or text messages. Despite numerous scams, from which we’ve recovered her funds, her computer has become a veritable hotspot for malware and tracking cookies.

Engaging her in rational conversations about safe browsing has proven futile. Unfortunately, constructive feedback often feels like criticism to her, typical of many in the Boomer generation. Therefore, I’m exploring ways to enhance her online safety at the network level to shield her devices from potential threats.

Seeking a DNS Solution

I’m on the lookout for a DNS service that can help prevent access to dangerous sites. OpenDNS used to offer a blacklist feature, which I found particularly useful, but I’m unsure what similar options exist today. I’m willing to invest in a reliable service to safeguard her browsing experience.

For context, my technical knowledge allows me to understand DNS well enough to implement suggested changes, but I’m not well-versed in the myriad services available. She currently uses AT&T U-verse with their proprietary gateway, and while I am open to integrating a different device into the network, switching internet providers isn’t on the table.

Implementing Immediate Changes

After sharing my situation online, I received invaluable suggestions from the community, which I’m excited to put into action. I plan to start with NextDNS, a service that I hope will provide the protections I need, particularly for her iPhone. Additionally, I’ll ramp up security settings in her Chrome browser and install uBlock Origin to limit unwanted ads and pop-ups.

Looking ahead, I’m also considering setting up a Pi-hole in the future as a more comprehensive solution to blocking unwanted traffic and ads within the network.

Closing Thoughts

For anyone facing a similar situation with elderly relatives, I hope these tips can be beneficial. It’s a continuous process to ensure that our loved ones can browse the internet safely without falling prey to scams. Thank you to everyone who contributed to my post—your support and advice have been invaluable! Together, we can help protect those who might not understand the complexities of digital security.