An Older Adult’s Guide to Cybersecurity: Malware, Firewalls, and VPNs Explained

The internet makes life easier, but it also comes with risks. Hackers, viruses, and scams are everywhere. Knowing how to spot threats and safeguard your devices is the first step to staying protected, since cybercriminals target anyone, and scams or viruses can happen to even the most careful users.

The good news?

You don’t need to be a tech wizard to stay safe. This guide explains the basics of cybersecurity in simple, clear terms so you can protect yourself online with confidence.

Basic terms:

Cybersecurity involves protecting computers and phones from unauthorized access or damage. This is crucial as much of our daily life, from banking to social interactions, happens online.

Malware: Malware (short for “malicious software”) is bad software that tries to damage or take control of your computer. It can steal your personal information, delete your files, or make your computer behave strangely. Malware includes dierent kinds of harmful software like viruses and Trojan horses.

Phishing: Phishing is a fake email, fake calls, or fake websites used to trick you into sending personal information, such as your password or credit card number. These emails and websites look real, but they are set up to steal your information. When you run into a phishing attempt, you can report it to the authorities, to help protect other people on the internet.

Firewall: A security guard for your computer. It checks all the data coming in and going out of your computer to keep out anything harmful, like viruses.

Virus: A virus is a type of bad software that spreads by copying itself into other programs, and causes harm by changing the way your computer behaves.

Antivirus Software: This is a program you install on your computer or phone to protect it from viruses and other harmful software. It finds and removes any bad software (malware) that tries to get into your phone or computer.

Encryption: Encryption is like turning your information into a secret code. Only people with the right key can read it, which keeps your messages and files safe from others.

Ransomware: This is a type of harmful software that locks you out of your computer or files and demands money to get access back (as a “ransom”. Even if you pay, you often do not get your files or computer access back.

Spyware: Spyware is sneaky software that watches what you do on your computer without you knowing. It's often used to steal sensitive information like your passwords.

Keystroke Logger: Imagine someone secretly watching your keyboard and writing down everything you type. That’s what this sneaky malware does—be careful where you click!

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This is a security system that provides an extra step to keep your online accounts safe. 2FA requires two or more separate forms of identification in order to access an account. First factor: typically your username and password. Second factor: a code sent to your smartphone or email.

VPN (Virtual Private Network): A VPN is a service that makes your internet connection more secure. It hides your online activity, making it harder for others to see what you're doing or steal your information.

Data Breach: Think of it as a break-in, but instead of a house, it’s your personal information being stolen online—like passwords, emails, or financial details.

Cookies: Small files that websites save on your computer, like leaving breadcrumbs to remember your preferences—helpful, but sometimes they track more than you want.

HTTPS: The "S" stands for "secure." It means any information you share on a website is locked up tight so no one can snoop on it.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator): This is just a fancy term for a web address. Always look for "https://" at the start—it’s like a lock on a mailbox, keeping your info safe.

Pop-Up Blocker: This is like shutting the window when an annoying salesperson shows up. It stops surprise ads or harmful messages from interrupting you online.

Digital Footprint: Every time you post, search, or shop online, you leave little footprints behind. Be mindful of these—they tell a story about you!

Cybersecurity starts with understanding the basics. By learning these key terms, you’re taking a big step toward staying safe online.

Bookmark or print this page so you can refer to it anytime, and share it with a friend or relative who might find it helpful. You can also read more articles in our resource center, download the free internet safety guide PDF, or attend one of our upcoming workshops.