1. Never Reuse the Same Password
One of the biggest mistakes people make is using the same password across multiple accounts. It may feel convenient, but it’s risky.
If just one website experiences a data breach, hackers can try that same password on your email, banking, and shopping accounts. This is how small leaks turn into serious identity theft.
Hack:
Use a different password for each important account, especially for:
- Online banking
- Investment accounts
- Medicare or health portals
- Email accounts
This simple step dramatically improves your data breach protection.
2. Use a Password Manager (It’s Easier Than You Think)
Many seniors avoid complex passwords because they’re hard to remember. That’s understandable — but writing them on sticky notes or notebooks isn’t secure.
A password manager solves this problem. It securely stores all your passwords in encrypted form and only requires you to remember one master password.
Benefits of a password manager:
- Creates strong, random passwords
- Autofills login information
- Protects against phishing websites
- Syncs across devices
Many reputable password manager tools also include built-in identity theft protection features. This is one of the smartest cybersecurity investments you can make.
