How do I keep my father from clicking on fake links in emails?

✓ Accepted answer

Keep your father safe by focusing on awareness-building and simple technical controls rather than removing his independence, as frustration often leads to risky shortcuts.

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Turn on two-factor authentication for his email, banking, and major shopping accounts. This adds a second layer of security, so even if he clicks a phishing link and reveals his password, attackers cannot easily access his accounts. Most providers offer this for free in their security settings.
• Use Browser Phishing Filters: Enable built-in phishing protection in his web browser, such as Microsoft SmartScreen in Edge or Safe Browsing in Chrome. These tools warn users before they visit known malicious sites, acting as a digital guardrail when he does click a link.
• Practice 'Safe Click' Drills: Teach him to hover over links with his mouse without clicking to preview the actual destination in the status bar. If the address looks strange or contains too many dots, he should stop immediately. You can practice this together during a weekly video call.
• Set Up Email Filters: Create specific rules in his email account to automatically delete or archive messages from suspicious keywords like 'urgent verification' or 'account locked.' This reduces visual clutter and lowers the chance of accidental clicks.
• Establish a Family Safety Word: Agree on a code phrase that he must give you before sending any money or changing passwords. If he receives a request that feels wrong, he can call you first, giving him a moment to pause and verify the request outside of the pressure of the email.

admin · 2026-10-01 15:09:12