Safeguarding Your Senior Family Member’s Online Experience: Tips for Parents Who Click Everything
In an increasingly digital world, not everyone is well-equipped to navigate the web safely. Take, for example, a recent challenge faced by a concerned child whose 75-year-old mother seems to have an affinity for clicking on every link she encounters. The issue isn’t merely a quirky habit; it has led to her inadvertently falling prey to online scams, exposing her devices to an array of malware and undesired tracking cookies.
While rational discussions about safe internet practices may fall on deaf ears, solutions can still be implemented at the network level to provide a safeguard against risky browsing behavior. If you find yourself in a similar situation with a family member who may lack digital literacy, here are a few strategies worth considering.
Implementing Network-Level Protections
One viable approach is to utilize a DNS service that offers filtering capabilities to block malicious sites before they are accessed. OpenDNS was once a popular choice due to its customizable blacklist features. While it no longer functions exactly as it did, similar services are now available, promising to considerably enhance online safety.
Recommended Services to Explore
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NextDNS: This service offers sophisticated filtering options that can help protect your family member’s devices from harmful content. It allows customization of the types of sites to block, empowering you to tailor it to meet specific needs.
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Cloudflare Family DNS: A straightforward option, this service offers built-in malware protection that can secure against many online dangers.
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CleanBrowsing: This DNS service is another excellent alternative, providing content filtering that can help keep unwanted sites at bay.
Enhancing Browser Security
In addition to modifying DNS settings, consider fortifying the web browser itself. For instance, increasing Chrome’s security settings can offer additional layers of protection. Installing tools like uBlock Origin can further help filter out unwanted ads and potentially harmful sites during daily browsing.
Exploring More Advanced Solutions
If you’re feeling adventurous and desire a more hands-on project, delving into a Pi-hole setup can serve as a robust solution. By installing Pi-hole on a Raspberry Pi, you can create a network-wide ad blocker that not only enhances security but also improves overall browsing speed by reducing the number of ads loaded.
Conclusion: Celebrating Progress and Community Support
As this journey unfolds, keep in mind that you’re not alone. Connecting with others who face similar challenges can provide not only moral
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