How to protect the personal data of older adults on the internet

According to the 18th Study on the Habits of Internet Users in Mexico 2022, the population aged 55 and over represents 10.5%. For this reason, the INAI created the Decalogue with essential recommendations to take care of the personal information of older people, given the risks associated with the use of technology such as fraud or even identity theft.

📃 #ElINAIteInforma
Are you an older adult? This way you can protect your personal data.
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— INAI (@INAImexico) December 30, 2024

How to protect the personal data of older adults

1. Request support from trusted people every time you carry out a procedure online or in person.

Try to choose a person who understands your needs, is trustworthy, and can handle your information responsibly. Before carrying out any procedure, find out about the steps of the procedure to verify that it is done correctly.

2. Create strong and unique passwords on your accounts and devicesto better protect your information, and avoid using the same information everywhere.

You can follow the following recommendations to do them:

• Combine characters: Use uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. The appropriate length is between 8 to 12 characters.
• Avoid common words: Opt for creative combinations or meaningful data such as your pet’s name, modified to include special characters (example: “M4sc0t@2024”).
• Use a password manager: These programs store and generate secure keys, reducing the risk of forgetting them.

3. Don’t share personal information on phone calls

Telephone scams are a common threat, and criminals are increasingly creating systems to obtain data with which they can create fraud, identity theft or another crime. To prevent this, avoid providing information to strangers and consider the following guidelines:

• Be wary of calls from strangers or emergencies: If it is important, they may leave you a message.
• Verify the source of the call: If they impersonate an entity, company or bank, ask them to identify themselves (name, email, telephone, etc.). You can hang up and call the entity, checking legitimacy ensures that you can share your information.
• Avoid pressure: If you are rushed into making decisions, it is probably a scam. Verify that any offers are real before sharing your details.

4. Read the privacy notices before “accepting”

Before providing information online, check how they will use it. We recommend that you pay attention to who collects the data, their terms and conditions, as well as whether you can delete it.

5. Browse official and recognized sites if you are going to buy

This is very important when making online purchases. Verify that they are the official sites of the establishment and not fake, the products and services they offer, as well as the payment options.

When purchasing, follow the instructions to ensure the address and payment are correct.

6. Avoid suspicious emails, attachments or unknown links

This is the type of cyber attack known as phishing, in which information is stolen. As a recommendation, delete emails from unknown senders and do not open messages of dubious origin; do not download documents attached to emails, as they may have a virus; and protect your devices with an antivirus.

7. Protect your information on social networks

There is the alternative of making the profiles private and accepting the people you want to have access to. Some data can also be adjusted in the settings. In any case, avoid publishing sensitive data such as addresses or financial information.

8. Delete your personal data safely

If you vacate a device, delete all personal information you have, as well as unlink personal accounts. If you have physical documents and are going to throw them away, try to destroy any sensitive information with scissors or markers.

9. Think before sharing your personal data

Remember that the information you post online can be seen by anyone anywhere in the world. Therefore, consider whether the information you share is something that can be known and will not cause you any problems.

10. Report data misuse

If you suspect that your data has been misused, you can file a complaint with the INAI by following these steps:

1. Gather relevant information: Include details such as dates and names of those involved.
2. Complete the complaint form available on the INAI portal.
3. Attach supporting documents: contracts, emails or any evidence that supports your case.

You can contact the INAI through its website, social networks or by calling Telinai: 800 835 43 24.