Senior-Friendly VPNs and Cybersecurity Tips

What Is a VPN and Why Might a Senior Need One?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. In simple terms, it creates a secure, private tunnel between your device and the internet. That means your personal information, like your location, banking details, and browsing history, is protected from hackers, advertisers, and snooping eyes. For seniors, who may need additional assistance with safeguarding personal info, a VPN can:

• Protect online banking and healthcare logins
• Prevent tracking from websites and advertisers
• Add security when using public Wi-Fi networks at cafes, libraries, or airports
• Block access to harmful websites by routing through safer servers

What Makes a VPN Senior-Friendly?

Although VPNs may sound complicated, they’re actually very easy to use. We can turn them on and off with the touch of just one button.

Simple, Clear Interface

The best VPN for your loved one is the one they can actually use. Look for these features:

• Large buttons and readable text
• One-click connection that doesn’t require setup each time
• Easy-to-understand notifications indicating when the VPN is on

Seniors don’t need complex menus or tech jargon. Aim for a solution that works in the background and doesn’t require regular maintenance. You can even have a VPN connect to the internet automatically, so the senior doesn’t have to do anything to stay safe online. They just need to use their smartphone as usual.

Strong Customer Support

Even the most user-friendly VPNs may come with the occasional hiccup. That’s where customer support comes in. Look for providers that offer:

• Phone support, not just chat or email
• Guided setup tutorials with visuals
• Remote assistance for installation or troubleshooting
• Support hours that match your schedule

Secure but Not Overwhelming

Security is the whole point of a VPN, but it shouldn’t be scary or confusing. Look for one that includes:

• AES-256 encryption, the industry standard
• A kill switch that cuts the internet if the VPN drops, so your data isn’t exposed
• Automatic start-up protection when the device turns on
• Coverage for all the devices they use, including their smartphone, be it an iPhone or Android, tablet, and computer

Avoid VPNs with too many options or toggles that can accidentally turn off protections.

How Much Do VPNs Cost?

VPNs are more affordable than you might think. Here’s a rough breakdown:

Look for senior discounts, family sharing options, and free trials. Many top providers offer a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test it first. As far as VPNs go, we’ve tested out popular options like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark. These are all affordable and easy VPNs to use across a variety of devices.

Setting Up a VPN for a Senior

It’s easy to set up a VPN and, in our experience, only takes a few minutes.

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Choose a quiet time when your loved one is relaxed and alert.
2. Make sure their device is updated and ready; meaning you should perform any pending software updates beforehand.
3. Walk through the download and install process together. Typically, you will have to go to either the Google Play or App store, depending on your device’s operating system, download the app, and go through the setup process.
4. Let them click through each step; don’t just take over, tempting as it may be. If they’re having trouble seeing the screen, use iPhone senior mode or other accessibility modes.
5. Test it together by browsing or checking email.
6. Print a card with login info and basic troubleshooting tips.

If the VPN comes with mobile apps, install those too, so their phone or tablet is protected. Some VPNs also work with streaming services, as well, which means they’re encrypting internet usage while you’re watching TV.

Customizing Settings

To make things even easier for daily use, customize the VPN settings. Adjust:

• Font size and color contrast
• Auto-connect to trusted networks
• Connection to a nearby server to keep speeds fast
• Turn off confusing pop-ups or update reminders

Other Cybersecurity Tips That Go Beyond VPNs

VPNs aren’t the only useful software for keeping seniors safe online. There are also password managers, antivirus software, and identity theft protection services. Additionally, beyond software, user behavior has a huge impact on scams and the ability to spot them from a mile away.

Use a Password Manager

Many seniors use weak or reused passwords, which makes them vulnerable to hacking.2 A password manager generates and stores strong passwords so they don’t have to remember them. Personally, we use LastPass across all our devices; we also log into every account using biometrics like fingerprint recognition or Face ID on iPhones. Specifically, we recommend looking for a password manager with:

• Biometric login (fingerprint or Face ID)
• Emergency access for family members
• Simple autofill features to reduce typing
• Password generator to create a long, complicated, and unique password for each account

An alternative to using a digital password manager is to write down all of your usernames and passwords in a book and place it in a locked drawer. While anything online is hackable, a physical object cannot be hacked, only stolen. If the book is sufficiently locked and your home is protected with a smart security system, this might be one of the best and easiest options for password security.

Use Antivirus Software

Another important layer of digital protection is antivirus software. These programs scan for and block viruses, malware, and other harmful software that can infect a device through unsafe downloads or suspicious websites. For seniors who may not always recognize risky links or pop-ups, antivirus tools can run quietly in the background and provide automatic alerts if something looks off. Many antivirus programs also include extra features like email protection and real-time web monitoring, which help prevent attacks before they happen.

Use Identity Theft Protection Services

Identity theft can result in not only a loss of funds but also in distress. A study from the National Institute of Health found that while only 7 percent of senior victims of identity theft lost money, 34 percent said that having their identities stolen was moderately to severely distressing.3 While no software can completely prevent identity theft before it happens, identity theft protection software can alert you as soon as it happens so you can take action and prevent future losses.

In addition to antivirus software, identity theft protection services can offer valuable peace of mind. These services monitor personal information like Social Security numbers, credit reports, and financial accounts for signs of suspicious activity. If something unusual is detected, such as a new credit card application or an address change, you’ll get an alert right away. Some plans even include recovery assistance and insurance coverage if identity theft occurs.

While not every senior may need this level of protection, it can be a helpful option for those who are especially active online or have experienced fraud in the past. We recommend LifeLock, which we use to monitor multiple areas for our personally identifiable information, or PII.

Safe Browsing Behaviors

Talk to your loved one about how to browse safely. Encourage them to:

• Stick to trusted websites.
• Never enter personal info unless the site starts with “https.” The “s” stands for “secure.”
• Close suspicious pop-ups immediately.
• Avoid clicking on emails or email links from unknown senders.
• Bookmark the websites they use often so they don’t accidentally land on lookalike scam pages.

Secure Email Practices

Email is one of the most common ways scammers target seniors. Teach your loved one to:

• Hover over links to check the real address before clicking. Make sure the URL is spelled correctly.
• Ignore emails asking for urgent money transfers or sensitive information like your phone number, credit card information, Social Security number, full name, or mailing address.
• Scan attachments before you open them and only open attachments from senders you know personally.
• Report suspicious messages instead of replying to them.
• Enable two-factor authentication on their email and bank accounts. That way, even if someone has their password, they still won’t be able to log on without their device.

Lock Down Social Media

Even seniors who don’t post often may be sharing more than they think. Walk through their social media privacy settings and:

• Limit the people who can see their profile, posts, and stories. Their followers should only be people they know personally and have met in person. Otherwise, make the account as private as possible.
• Hide their contact information, like their full name, address, and birth date.
• Turn off location tagging.
• Make sure friend requests are from real people and not bots or scammers.

Build a Family Cybersecurity Plan

Helping a senior stay safe online isn’t a one-time task. It’s an ongoing conversation. Create a simple plan that covers:

• Checking that the VPN is running
• Updating devices and apps
• Reviewing bank and email account security every few months
• Reporting suspicious calls or emails without shame or blame

Make these check-ins part of your regular visits, not just when there’s a problem. That way, your loved one stays involved and informed.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

If your loved one runs into a tech issue, here are quick fixes you can try together:

• VPN is slow: Switch to a closer server or close unnecessary apps.
• VPN won’t connect: Restart the device and try again, or try connecting to a different server.
• Streaming isn’t working: Disable the VPN for that app temporarily. Turn the device on and off and try again.
• Can’t remember how to turn it on: Use a printed guide with pictures.

If they’re still stuck, contact the VPN provider’s support line together or use remote desktop tools to help from afar.

What to Do If a Senior Is Targeted by a Scam

Even with all the best protections, scams still happen, from medical alert scam calls to Medicare Advantage scams. If your loved one falls for one:

• Help them change their passwords right away.
• Contact their bank to freeze or monitor accounts.
• Report the scam to the FTC or local law enforcement.
• Watch for follow-up scams, as criminals often try again with their marks.