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7 tips for navigating the digital world from Elim Village

Staying safe online: Tips to protect your personal information in the age of AI
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"The internet offers many benefits and by taking a few simple steps, everyone can navigate it safely," says Conrad Nedelec, Operations Administrator at Elim Village Garrison Crossing.

In today’s digital world, the internet provides an invaluable way to stay connected with family and friends. However, it’s important to understand how to protect your privacy while navigating the online world.

"As technology advances, it's essential to be aware of potential risks, such as cyber scams and AI-generated content, but with the right precautions, everyone can enjoy the digital world with confidence," says Conrad Nedelec, Operations Administrator, Elim Village Garrison Crossing.

Scammers can sometimes use tactics like fake accounts or phishing emails to try to steal personal information. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has also introduced new challenges, like AI-generated images and videos that can appear realistic but may be misleading. To help seniors stay safe online, Nedelec shares helpful tips and safety tactics.

  1. Create strong passwords: Choose passwords that are long and mix letters, numbers and symbols. Using a different password for each account is recommended and while writing them down can help you keep track of them, a password manager is another option while ensuring your passwords are kept secure.
  2. Be mindful of friend requests: Social media is a great way to reconnect with old friends, but it's always best to be cautious with friend requests. Scammers sometimes create fake accounts to gain access to personal information. If you don’t know the person sending the request, it's okay to decline it.
  3. Protect your devices: Ensure devices, like smartphones and computers, are password-protected. Setting up security questions for your accounts (questions only you can answer) adds an extra layer of protection. Keeping software up to date and installing antivirus programs helps defend against threats.
  4. Be mindful when posting:  Avoid sharing sensitive details, such home addresses, phone numbers, financial information or upcoming travel plans. 
  5. Stay alert to AI-Generated Content: Artificial intelligence (AI) can now be used to create images, videos and even messages that look real but might not be. AI-generated photos and videos can often be spotted by looking for certain telltale signs. Watch for inconsistencies like odd facial features, unnatural lighting or strange shadows in images. In videos, look for awkward movements, stiff body poses or mismatched facial expressions. Backgrounds may appear blurry or distorted and the overall composition might feel off. If something seems suspicious, cross-check the source or do a reverse image search to verify its authenticity.
  6. Review privacy settings: Most social media platforms allow you to customize privacy settings. Take time to adjust these settings to control who can see your posts and information.
  7. When in doubt, double-check with trusted sources: When in doubt, double-check with trusted sources. Current estimates rank cybercrime among the world’s five largest economies. With scammers using increasingly sophisticated technology and tactics, staying vigilant and informed is crucial. Scammers often attempt to impersonate large financial institutions through phone calls, text messages, or email scams. If you receive a suspicious call, email, text, or pop-up on your computer, it’s best not to engage. Hang up, avoid clicking any hyperlinks and instead visit your local bank branch to verify the information in person with a bank teller, or consult a trusted family member or friend.

"The internet offers many benefits and by taking a few simple steps, everyone can navigate it safely," Nedelec says. "Following these tips and tactics is a great place to start when it comes to maintaining online security."

Introducing The Cedar at Elim Village Garrison Crossing

Elim Village is excited to introduce The Cedar, the newest Independent Living building at Garrison Crossing in Chilliwack. Choose from eight floor plans ranging from 707-1,272 square feet, including options for one bedroom, one bedroom plus den, two bedroom and two bedroom plus den layouts. Future residents will enjoy full access to all of Elim Village’s exceptional amenities, ensuring a comfortable and active living experience.

For more information, call 604.769.0022, visit online at elimvillage.com or in person at the Presentation Centre at 45412 Chehalis Drive, Chilliwack, BC. Find Elim Village on Facebook and stay up-to-date by subscribing to their mailing list.