If you’re an IT or cybersecurity professional, or even a knowledgeable amateur, then you’re likely the go-to person for your extended family’s technological problems. Your daughter’s PC won’t boot? Grandma clicked a funny link? A cold caller tells your brother-in-law there’s something wrong with his computer? You’re on call to deal with it all. Fortunately, there is literally nobody in the world who is better at protecting our friends and family than us. Here are five comprehensive ways to help you keep your family members safe from online scammers, crooks, and criminals.
1. Encourage your family members to use Macs
Ensuring the security of family members who aren’t very tech-savvy can be a daunting task. However, having them use Macs can be a pivotal first step in safeguarding their online experience. This isn’t because Macs are inherently superior to Windows or Linux machines. Instead, it’s because the default settings on Macs are very secure, and it’s easy to enhance their security even further. Additionally, Macs are designed to be user-friendly, which makes them less prone to user error that can lead to security breaches. By promoting the use of Macs, you can establish a solid foundation of security with minimal effort.
When setting up a Mac for your family members, consider configuring it to install applications only from the App Store. This step minimizes the risk of downloading and installing malware, as apps in the App Store undergo stringent checks before listing. Another vital security measure is to disable software installation from “trusted developers” and set yourself up as the administrator for all machines with remote login permissions. This allows you to have better control over the devices and swiftly intervene when issues arise. Encourage your family to use Safari as their default browser instead of Chrome and set up iCloud accounts for all users, with yourself listed as the recovery contact. Make sure each iCloud password is written down in three different places to avoid any access issues.
For family members who prefer Windows machines, ensure they are configured similarly by setting them up to install applications solely from the online Microsoft Store. Additionally, make sure that your relatives do not have administrative rights on their own Windows machines. Instead, you should be the sole administrator to prevent unauthorized changes that might compromise system security. Utilizing such measures significantly reduces vulnerabilities and allows you to remotely troubleshoot or update configurations as needed.
2. Record passwords in a notebook
In today’s digital age where many of us rely on electronic means to store information, it’s easy to forget that simpler methods can sometimes have their merits, especially for certain family members. While password managers are an excellent tool for managing and securing passwords, they might be daunting for older relatives who aren’t as technologically inclined. Instead, encourage them to maintain a physical record of their passwords in a notebook. This approach allows them to manage their passwords in a tangible, familiar manner without the complexities associated with digital storage solutions.
Have your relatives keep a dedicated notebook with a different page for each account they hold. This organizational method can make it easier for them to locate and understand their passwords. When listing passwords, emphasize the importance of not crossing out old ones. Keeping all previous passwords alongside the current one can be particularly useful in case one is forgotten or a login issue occurs. Moreover, advise that their passwords should include only numbers, lowercase letters, and recognizable special characters. The inclusion of capital letters can often be confusing and can lead to unnecessary frustrations. This method of recording offers a straightforward and accessible way for less tech-savvy family members to manage their account credentials effectively.
3. Utilize NextDNS
The internet is teeming with potential threats, ranging from malicious websites to invasive browser trackers and family-unfriendly content. Utilizing a DNS-filtering service like NextDNS can significantly mitigate these risks and create a safer online environment for your family members. NextDNS functions by blocking access to harmful sites and filtering out intrusive ads and trackers. The service offers a free version with up to 300,000 DNS queries per month, while the unlimited version costs $20 per year, making it a cost-effective way to bolster online security.
Configuring most routers to use NextDNS is an effective way to cover all devices connected to your home network. However, for family members who live remotely, it’s advisable to have them use the OS-level software agents provided by NextDNS. These agents are available as graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android. Additionally, there are command-line tools for various Linux and BSD versions as well as for some router firmware. By leveraging NextDNS, you can create an added layer of security that automatically prevents your relatives from wandering into dangerous digital territories.
4. Use the Kagi search engine
Searching for information online can inadvertently lead to exposure to scam sites and malicious content. Introducing your family to the Kagi search engine can significantly reduce these risks. Kagi is a paid, ad-free search engine that costs $20 per month for a family plan. Although it might not seem as affordable as some other security measures, its benefits in terms of safety and user experience are considerable. Kagi eliminates misleading ads and prioritizes reliable, safe search results, which is particularly useful for less experienced internet users.
By making Kagi the default search engine on all your relatives’ devices, you can help prevent them from accidentally landing on scam sites while searching for everyday information such as recipes or product reviews. This additional layer of protection complements other security measures and provides a smoother, safer browsing experience for your family.
5. Teach your relatives three key points
If you work in IT or cybersecurity, or even if you simply know your way around technology, you are probably the go-to person for your family’s tech troubles. Whether your daughter’s PC refuses to start, your grandma accidentally clicks on a suspicious link, or a scam caller tries to convince your brother-in-law that his computer is compromised, you’re the one expected to fix it. Luckily, no one is better equipped to protect friends and family from online threats than someone with your expertise. To help you safeguard your loved ones against scammers, crooks, and digital criminals, here are five essential strategies you can employ. From teaching them about phishing risks to ensuring their systems are always updated with the latest security patches, your guidance can make a substantial difference. Helping your family understand the basics of strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication further adds layers of security to their online presence, making it much harder for bad actors to succeed in their malicious schemes.