Home Network Security
Make sure the gateway to your internet — your router — is locked down and trustworthy.
- Change default passwords
- Use WPA3 or WPA2 Wi-Fi
- Keep firmware up to date
Where to begin
Three places to start
Pick the topic that's most on your mind today. You can always come back for the others.
Security Awareness
Learn to spot phishing emails, fake calls, and the most common scams targeting seniors.
- Recognize phishing in seconds
- Avoid fake tech-support calls
- Know the right way to verify
AI Basics & Agents
A friendly introduction to AI assistants — what they are, what they do, and how to use them safely.
- What AI really is
- How to ask better questions
- Set up your first AI agent
October · Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Four simple habits for a safer month — and year
Every October, national organizations share free guidance to help people stay safe online. Here are the basics, plus where to find more.
Use strong, unique passwords
Long passphrases beat short complex ones. A password manager can remember them for you.
Turn on two-step sign-in
A code sent to your phone adds a second lock to email, banking, and social accounts.
Spot phishing messages
Be wary of urgent texts, emails, or calls. Pause, then contact the company using a number you trust.
Update your devices
Updates fix security holes. Turn on automatic updates for your phone, tablet, and computer.
Today's checklist
Today's quick wins
Fifteen small habits that make a big difference. Try one a day.
01
Use a password manager
Let a trusted app remember strong, unique passwords for every account so you don't have to.
02
Turn on two-step verification
A second short code at login means thieves can't get in even if they steal your password.
03
Never click links in surprise emails
When in doubt, open a new browser tab and go to the company's website directly.
04
Update your router monthly
Most modern routers let you turn on automatic updates — five minutes, big peace of mind.
05
Hang up on "tech support" callers
Microsoft, Apple, and the IRS will never call you out of the blue. Just hang up — it's okay.
06
Back up photos to a second place
Cloud storage or an external drive — so a lost phone never means lost memories.
07
Be wary of urgent requests for money
Gift cards, wire transfers, and crypto are scammers' favorite payment methods. Real organizations never demand them.
08
Set a family code word
Agree on a secret word with loved ones so you can confirm a "grandchild in trouble" call is genuine.
09
Keep your devices updated
Turn on automatic updates for your phone, tablet, and computer to close the doors thieves use.
10
Avoid public Wi-Fi for banking
Cafés and airports are open networks. Use your phone's mobile data when handling money or passwords.
11
Check your statements regularly
Review bank and credit card activity each week, and set up alerts for unusual transactions.
12
Freeze your credit
A free credit freeze stops anyone from opening new accounts in your name. You can lift it any time.
13
Limit what you share on social media
Birthdays, addresses, and travel plans help scammers. Keep your profile private and accept only people you know.
14
Talk before you act
Scammers rely on secrecy and rush. Pause and call a trusted friend or family member before you pay or share anything.
15
Report scams
Tell your bank right away and report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. You are not to blame — reporting helps others.
Where to turn next
Trusted resources for seniors
Free, reputable organizations for safety, health, benefits, and learning. Each link opens in a new tab.
U.S. Administration for Community Living
Eldercare Locator
Find local help for older adults — meals, transportation, home care, and more. Call 1-800-677-1116.
AARP
AARP Fraud Watch Network
Free scam alerts, a fraud helpline (877-908-3360), and tips for spotting the latest tricks.
Federal Trade Commission
Report Fraud
Report scams and identity theft, and get a personal recovery plan.
National Council on Aging
Benefits Check Up
A free tool that finds programs to help pay for medications, food, utilities, and health care.
Medicare.gov
Medicare
Official answers about coverage, plans, costs, and how to avoid Medicare scams.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels America
Enter your zip code to find home-delivered meals and friendly check-ins near you.
AARP Senior Planet
SeniorNet & Senior Planet
Free online and in-person classes to build confidence with phones, video calls, and the internet.
National Center on Elder Abuse
Elder Abuse Resource Line
Learn the warning signs of financial and other elder abuse and where to turn for help.
SSA.gov
Social Security
Manage your benefits securely with a my Social Security account — and learn how to spot imposter calls.
Need a quick answer?
Common questions
Is this site really free?
Yes, completely. WeCanCompute® is a free, ad-free resource. Our goal is simply to help older adults feel confident online — there's nothing to buy and no account to create.
I'm not very tech-savvy — will I understand this?
Absolutely. Every guide is written in plain English, with no acronyms or insider jargon. If a technical term has to appear, we explain it the moment we use it.
What is two-step verification?
Two-step verification (also called 2FA) is a way to log in that uses two things instead of one — your password, plus a short code sent to your phone. Even if a scammer steals your password, they still can't get in without your phone.
How do I know if an email is a scam?
A few warning signs: it pressures you to act quickly, it asks for money or personal information, the sender's address looks slightly off, or links go to strange websites. When in doubt, don't click — call the company at a number you already know.
What is an AI agent?
Think of it like a friendly assistant on your computer. A regular AI just answers questions; an AI agent can also do small tasks for you — like drafting a reply, summarizing a long article, or organizing notes — while you stay in charge of the final decisions.
Can someone help me one-on-one?
Yes. Use the Get Help button at the top of the page to email us. We work with volunteer helpers who can walk you through anything in this guide on a phone or video call.