Technology

10 ways to protect seniors from email scams

Published

2 weeks ago

January 11, 2026

10 ways to protect seniors from email scams

Cyber expert shares tips to avoid AI phishing scams

Kurt ‘The CyberGuy’ Knutsson shares practical ways to avoid falling victim to AI-generated phishing scams and discusses a report that North Korean agents are posing as I.T. workers to funnel money into the country’s nuclear program.

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Email scams have become one of the fastest ways scammers steal money from older adults. A single click can expose bank accounts, personal data and retirement savings built over a lifetime. That growing risk is what prompted Bob to write to us with a question many families are now facing:

“My friend’s father is 95 and absolutely lives through his phone/laptop. He refuses to give up either and often clicks on email links. A few years ago, he got caught up in a gift card scam that almost cost him his life savings. It’s not taking away the car keys anymore; it is taking away the email and access to online banking! What do you recommend that his daughter do to protect his online presence?”

Bob is right. For many seniors, email and online banking have replaced car keys as the most dangerous access point. The goal is not to take devices away. It is to quietly put guardrails in place so one bad click does not turn into a financial disaster.

Here is a practical plan families can actually use.

HACKERS ABUSE GOOGLE CLOUD TO SEND TRUSTED PHISHING EMAILS

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1) Separate money from daily email use

Start by limiting how much damage a single click can cause. If possible, remove online banking access from the devices used for email. When that is not realistic, open a second checking account with only everyday spending money and link it to a debit card for routine purchases.

Keep primary savings accounts offline or set to view-only access. If available, require in-branch or phone verification for transfers above a set amount. This way, even if credentials are compromised, the largest accounts remain protected.

2) Lock down email to stop scams targeting seniors

Email is the number one entry point for scams targeting seniors. Strong filtering matters. Use an email provider with advanced spam protection, such as Gmail or Outlook.com. In the email settings:

Turn off automatic image loading
Disable link previews
Block or auto-quarantine attachments from unknown senders
Automatically move messages from unknown senders to a Review folder

If available, enable warnings for emails that use familiar display names but come from unfamiliar addresses. This helps stop impersonation scams that pretend to be family, banks or service providers. These steps slow scammers down and reduce impulse clicks before damage happens.

Email is dominant, but voicemail and callback scams are also growing fast among seniors, often as a follow-up to phishing emails. If possible, silence unknown callers and block voicemail-to-email transcription for unfamiliar numbers, since many scams now start with urgent callback messages rather than links.

Email scams often start with messages that look routine but hide urgent threats designed to trigger quick clicks. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

3) Add a trusted second set of eyes

Next, add safety nets that notify family members when something looks wrong. Enable banking alerts for large withdrawals, new payees, password changes, unusual logins and new device sign-ins. Add his daughter as a trusted contact wherever the bank allows it. If available, enable delays or approval requirements for first-time transfers to new payees. This creates a cooling period that can stop scam-driven transactions. For email accounts, set up a recovery contact so that his daughter is notified immediately if someone attempts to access or reset the account.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on email and banking accounts, but pair it with device and transfer alerts, since many scams now succeed even when 2FA is enabled.

4) Harden devices so clicks do not equal catastrophe

Devices should be set up to fail safely. Keep operating systems and browsers updated. Make sure the laptop uses a standard user account instead of an administrator account. This prevents software from installing without approval. Install real-time protection that blocks scam sites before they load. Strong antivirus software helps block malicious links and fake login pages automatically.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

5) Use a password manager to block fake logins

Password reuse makes scams far more dangerous. Fake pop-ups and lookalike websites are designed to trick people into typing usernames and passwords by hand. A password manager removes that risk by storing credentials securely and autofilling them only on legitimate websites. If a page is fake or malicious, the password manager will not fill anything. That simple refusal often prevents account takeovers before they start. Password managers also reduce frustration by eliminating the need to remember or reuse passwords across email, banking and shopping accounts. When set up correctly, this protection works quietly in the background on both phones and laptops.

Many phishing scams no longer rely on obvious fake emails. They rely on realistic login pages. Autofill protection is one of the most effective ways to stop these attacks without changing daily habits.

Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our No. 1 password manager pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.

Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com.

MALICIOUS CHROME EXTENSIONS CAUGHT STEALING SENSITIVE DATA

6) Freeze credit and monitor identity exposure

If scammers already have personal information, prevention alone is not enough. Freeze credit with Experian, TransUnion and Equifax to prevent new accounts from being opened. Also, place freezes with ChexSystems and the National Consumer Telecom and Utilities Exchange to stop criminals from opening bank accounts, phone lines, or utility services in his name.

If possible, request an IRS Identity Protection PIN to prevent tax-related identity theft.

Add ongoing identity monitoring so suspicious activity triggers alerts quickly. Identity Theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security number (SSN), phone number and email address, and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.

See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at Cyberguy.com.

7) Set clear rules around scams and payments

Technology helps, but expectations matter. Have one calm conversation and agree on simple rules:

No gift cards for urgent emails or texts
No sending money through unfamiliar apps or cryptocurrency
Always call a trusted family member before acting on urgency

Post these rules near the computer or phone. Visual reminders reduce panic decisions. Also, before setting rules, choose one primary trusted contact. Multiple helpers can slow response during urgent scams and create confusion when fast decisions matter. That person should be the default call for anything urgent involving money, account access, or unexpected requests.

Adult children increasingly step in to help parents spot red flags before a simple mistake turns into a financial loss. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

8) Reduce exposure with a data removal service

Scammers often find seniors by pulling personal details from public data broker websites. These sites publish phone numbers, addresses, relatives and age information that make targeting easier. A data removal service works behind the scenes to opt seniors out of these databases and reduce how much personal information is publicly available online. Fewer exposed details means fewer scam calls, fewer phishing emails and fewer impersonation attempts. This step does not stop every scam, but it significantly lowers how often seniors are targeted in the first place.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.

9) Use senior-friendly monitoring tools the right way

Many tools designed for child safety also work well for seniors when used thoughtfully. When configured correctly, they add protection without interfering with daily routines.

Below are device-specific steps families can use today.

iPhone and iPad

Apple’s built-in Screen Time tools provide strong protection without installing extra apps.

What to set up:

Open Settings and tap Screen Time
Turn on Screen Time for the device
Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions and turn it on
Under App Store Purchases, set app installs to Don’t Allow
Tap Web Content and limit access to approved or safe websites
Set a Screen Time passcode known only to the caregiver

If the caregiver wants remote visibility or control, add the device to Family Sharing and manage Screen Time from the caregiver’s Apple ID.

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Why this helps: It blocks many scam sites, prevents accidental app installs and stops fake update prompts from causing damage.

Android phones and tablets

Android offers built-in protections and optional supervised controls.

What to set up:

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

Open Settings and go to Digital Wellbeing & parental controls
Turn on parental controls for the device
Restrict app installs and require approval for new downloads
Enable Safe Browsing and website filtering
Turn on alerts for new app installs and account changes

For families who want shared oversight, Google Family Link can be used to supervise app installs and receive alerts, as long as both parties agree.

Why this helps: Many Android scams rely on fake app installs. These settings block that path.

Windows computers

Windows protection works best when user accounts are set correctly.

What to set up:

Create a standard user account for daily use
Keep the caregiver account as the only administrator
Turn on Microsoft Family Safety if available
Enable SmartScreen and browser phishing protection
Block software installs without administrator approval

Why this helps: Malware often installs silently on admin accounts. This setup prevents that.

Mac computers

macOS includes built-in controls similar to those on iPhone and iPad.

What to set up:

Create a standard user account for the senior
Limit administrator access to a trusted caregiver
Open System Settings and enable Screen Time
Restrict app installs and system changes
Keep built-in malware and phishing protections enabled

Simple digital guardrails can reduce risk while allowing seniors to keep their devices and independence. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why this helps: It prevents fake software updates and malicious downloads from installing.

10) Best practices for all devices

Use alert-only or limited-control settings whenever possible
Review settings together so expectations are clear
Avoid tools that feel invasive or confusing
Focus on blocking harm, not monitoring behavior

This is not about spying. It is about adding digital seatbelts while preserving independence. When used respectfully, these tools reduce risk without changing daily habits.

Pro Tip: Use a secure email service for added privacy

For families looking to go a step further, switching to a secure email service can significantly reduce scam exposure. Privacy-focused email providers are designed to limit tracking, block hidden tracking pixels, and reduce how much data advertisers or scammers can collect from inbox activity. Many secure email services also offer disposable or alias email addresses for one-time signups. If an alias starts receiving spam or scam messages, it can be disabled without affecting the main email account. This makes it easier to keep a primary email address private and limit long-term exposure. Secure email platforms typically include features like encrypted messages, no advertising and stronger privacy controls. While switching email providers is optional, it can be a useful upgrade for seniors who receive large volumes of spam or have been repeatedly targeted by scams.

Why it matters: Less tracking means fewer scam attempts. Aliases reduce how often personal email addresses are exposed, without changing daily habits.

For recommendations on private and secure email providers that offer alias addresses, visit Cyberguy.com.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Protecting seniors online is not about control. It is about prevention. Email scams are designed to exploit trust and urgency, especially in people who did not grow up with digital threats. Smart guardrails protect independence while preventing irreversible mistakes. If email and banking are today’s car keys, families need modern safety features to go with them.

If your parent clicked a scam email right now, would you know before the money was gone? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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Technology

Meta is stopping teens from chatting with its AI characters

Published

8 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Press Room

Meta is stopping teens from chatting with its AI characters

Meta is “temporarily pausing” the ability for teens to chat with its AI characters as it develops a “new version” of the characters that will offer a “better experience.” The company made the announcement in an update to a blog post from October where the company had detailed more parental controls for teen AI use. The change blocking teens from accessing the characters will go into effect “starting in the coming weeks.”

”Since we announced our plans to build parental controls for AI characters in October, we started developing a new iteration of AI characters generally (i.e. for both adults and teens),” spokesperson Sophie Vogel tells The Verge. “Rather than building the parental controls twice (for the current AI characters and the new iteration of AI characters) we’re pausing teen access to the current version while we focus on the new iteration. When that new iteration is available for teens, it will come with parental controls.”

According to TechCrunch, “Meta said that it heard from parents that they wanted more insights and control over their teens’ interactions with AI characters, which is why it decided to make these changes.”

In October, Meta announced that parents would be able to block their teens’ access to one-on-one conversations with its AI characters, block their teens from talking with specific AI characters, and share insights with parents on the topics their teens discuss with Meta’s AI characters and its AI assistant. The original plan was to roll out those controls early this year.

Last year, also in October, Meta changed Instagram teen accounts to allow teens to be able to see content that’s reflective of what might be shown in a movie rated for people that are 13 or older.

Update, January 23rd: Added information from a Meta spokesperson.

Technology

Ransomware attack exposes Social Security numbers at major gas station chain

Published

8 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Press Room

Ransomware attack exposes Social Security numbers at major gas station chain

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Cybercriminals are happy to target almost any industry where data can be stolen. In many cases, less prepared and less security-focused companies are simply easier targets.

A recent ransomware attack on a company tied to dozens of gas stations across Texas shows exactly how this plays out. The incident exposed highly sensitive personal data, including Social Security numbers and driver’s license details, belonging to hundreds of thousands of people.

The breach went undetected for days, giving attackers ample time to move through internal systems and steal sensitive data. If you’ve ever paid at the pump or shopped inside one of these convenience stores, this is the kind of incident that should make you stop and pay attention.

What happened in the Gulshan ransomware attack

According to a disclosure filed with the Maine Attorney General’s Office, Gulshan Management Services, Inc. reported a cybersecurity incident that impacted more than 377,000 individuals. Gulshan is linked to Gulshan Enterprises, which operates around 150 Handi Plus and Handi Stop gas stations and convenience stores across Texas.

WINDOWS 10 USERS FACE RANSOMWARE NIGHTMARE AS MICROSOFT SUPPORT ENDS IN 2025 WORLDWIDE

The company says it detected unauthorized access to its IT systems in late September. Investigators later determined that attackers had been inside the network for roughly ten days before anyone noticed. The intrusion began with a phishing attack, a reminder of how a single deceptive email can still open the door to massive breaches.

Ransomware attacks don’t just hit tech companies. Retailers like gas stations store sensitive customer and employee data that criminals actively target. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

During that window, the attackers accessed and stole personal data, then deployed ransomware that encrypted files across Gulshan’s systems. The compromised information includes names, contact details, Social Security numbers and driver’s license numbers. That combination is especially dangerous, since it can be used for identity theft, account takeovers and fraud that may surface months or even years later.

Why the lack of a ransomware claim still matters

So far, no known ransomware group has publicly taken credit for the attack. That might sound like good news, but it does not necessarily change the risk for affected individuals. In many ransomware cases, silence can mean one of two things. Either the attackers have not yet posted stolen data publicly, or the victim company may have resolved the incident privately.

Gulshan’s filing states that it restored its systems using known-safe backups. That detail often suggests a company chose to rebuild rather than negotiate with attackers. Even so, once data has been copied out of a network, there is no way to pull it back. Whether or not the stolen information ever appears online, the exposure alone puts affected people at long-term risk.

This incident also highlights a recurring pattern. Retail and service businesses handle huge volumes of personal data but often rely on legacy systems and frontline employees who are prime phishing targets. Gas stations may not feel like obvious hacking targets, but their payment systems, loyalty programs and HR databases make them valuable all the same.

We reached out to Gulshan Management Services for comment regarding the breach, but did not receive a response before our deadline.

A customer pumps gas at a gas station on Feb. 13, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

10 steps you can take to protect yourself after a breach like this

If your information was exposed in this breach or any similar ransomware incident, there are concrete steps you can take to reduce the fallout.

1) Monitor your credit and identity closely

If the company offers free credit monitoring or identity protection, enroll in it. These services can alert you early if someone tries to open accounts or misuse your identity. If nothing is offered, consider signing up for a reputable identity theft protection service on your own.

Identity Theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security Number (SSN), phone number, and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.

See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at Cyberguy.com.

2) Consider a personal data removal service

The less of your information that’s floating around data broker sites, the harder it is for criminals to target you. Data removal services can help reduce your digital footprint over time.

While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

Even when no ransomware group claims responsibility, stolen data can still fuel identity theft, fraud, and account takeovers long after a breach occurs. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.

3) Use a password manager

A password manager helps you create and store unique passwords for every account. If attackers try to reuse stolen data to break into your online accounts, strong, unique passwords can stop that attempt cold.

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Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com.

4) Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) everywhere possible

2FA adds an extra barrier, even if someone has your personal details. Prioritize email, banking, cloud storage, and shopping accounts, since those are often targeted first.

5) Install and keep a strong antivirus software running

Strong antivirus software can help detect phishing attempts, malicious downloads, and suspicious activity before it turns into a full compromise. Keep real-time protection enabled and don’t ignore warnings.

Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

6) Watch for phishing and follow-up scams

After breaches like this, scammers often send fake emails or texts pretending to be the affected company or a credit monitoring service. Slow down, verify messages independently, and never click links you weren’t expecting.

7) Review your credit reports regularly

Check your reports from all major credit bureaus for unfamiliar accounts or inquiries. You’re entitled to free reports, and catching issues early makes them much easier to fix.

8) Freeze your credit to stop new accounts from being opened

If criminals expose your Social Security number, place a credit freeze as soon as possible. A credit freeze blocks lenders from opening new accounts in your name, even when thieves have your personal details. The credit bureaus offer freezes for free, and you can temporarily lift one when you apply for credit yourself. This step stops identity theft before it starts, instead of alerting you after the damage is done. If you prefer not to freeze your credit, place a fraud alert instead. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before approving credit, which adds another layer of protection.

To learn more about how to do this, go to Cyberguy.com and search “How to freeze your credit.”

In the Gulshan attack, hackers spent days inside internal systems, stealing personal data before deploying ransomware that locked down files. (Silas Stein/picture alliance via Getty Images)

9) Protect yourself from tax refund fraud with an IRS Identity Protection PIN

When Social Security numbers are stolen, tax fraud often follows. Criminals can file fake tax returns in your name to steal refunds before you ever submit your paperwork. An IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) helps prevent this by ensuring only you can file a tax return using your SSN. It’s a simple but powerful safeguard that can block a common form of identity theft tied to data breaches.

10) Lock down existing bank and financial accounts

Don’t just watch for new fraud, proactively secure the accounts you already have. Enable alerts on bank and credit card accounts for large transactions, new payees, or changes to contact information. If your SSN or driver’s license number was exposed, consider calling your bank to ask about additional protections or account notes. Acting early can prevent small issues from becoming major financial problems.

Kurt’s key takeaway

Your personal data doesn’t just live with banks and hospitals. Retailers, gas stations, and convenience store operators also hold information that can cause real harm if it falls into the wrong hands. When attackers get in through something as simple as a phishing email and stay undetected for days, the damage can spread fast. You can’t prevent these breaches yourself, but you can limit how much power stolen data gives criminals by locking down your accounts and staying alert.

Do you think everyday businesses like gas stations take cybersecurity seriously enough? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Technology

The TikTok deal is done, finally

Published

20 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Press Room

TikTok USDS Joint Venture’s mandate is to secure U.S. user data, apps and the algorithm through comprehensive data privacy and cybersecurity measures. It will safeguard the U.S. content ecosystem through robust trust and safety policies and content moderation while ensuring continuous accountability through transparency reporting and third-party certifications.

Data Protection: U.S. user data will be protected by USDS Joint Venture in Oracle’s secure U.S. cloud environment. The Joint Venture will operate a comprehensive data privacy and cybersecurity program that is audited and certified by third party cybersecurity experts. The program will adhere to major industry standards, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) CSF and 800-53 and ISO 27001 as well as the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Security Requirements for Restricted Transactions.

Algorithm Security: The Joint Venture will retrain, test, and update the content recommendation algorithm on U.S. user data. The content recommendation algorithm will be secured in Oracle’s U.S. cloud environment.

Software Assurance: The Joint Venture will secure U.S. apps through software assurance protocols, and review and validate source code on an ongoing basis, assisted by its Trusted Security Partner, Oracle.

Trust & Safety: The Joint Venture will safeguard the U.S. content ecosystem and have decision-making authority for trust and safety policies and content moderation.

TikTok USDS Joint Venture has three managing investors, Silver Lake, Oracle and MGX, each holding 15%. Completing the full consortium of investors are: Dell Family Office, the investment firm of Michael Dell, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Dell Technologies; Vastmere Strategic Investments, LLC, an affiliate of Susquehanna International Group, LLP; Alpha Wave Partners; Revolution; Merritt Way, LLC controlled and managed by partners of Dragoneer; Via Nova, an affiliate of General Atlantic; Virgo LI, Inc., investment arm of a foundation established by Yuri and Julia Milner in support of science; and NJJ Capital, the family office of Xavier Niel, a French entrepreneur and pioneer in telecommunications. ByteDance retains 19.9% of the Joint Venture.