Why Privacy for Baby Boomers: The Gap, Online Privacy, and Cybersecurity

What do you think is the boomer version of “Airplane Mode?” It’s turning off the landline, making a cup of coffee, and then sitting on a comfy couch with a good book.

Privacy is important for baby boomers because you’re a top target for cybercriminals, your medical and financial data are at risk, algorithms are watching, and it’s hard to remove data on the internet.

Boomers and privacy are a weird blend. This is because while they can be privacy cautious, they can also be careless towards their security. It’s like leaving a diary open in the kitchen—the intention is there, but with failed execution.

Baby boomers are those who were born between 1946 and 1964. They’re the people who watched the moon landing. BUT! They’re also the ones who’ve adapted decades of change, like carbon copies to cloud storage, and rotary phones to FaceTime.

Baby boomers are actually super active on social media.

According to Statista, the top platforms they frequently use are:

Many Boomers embraced these social media platforms to stay connected with the people they love. But sadly, social media is one of the places where much of our personal data is being collected. This means every like, comment, and quiz (“Which Marvel Character Are You?”) helps social media companies build a profile about you.

When it comes to privacy habits, some boomers tend to value privacy. That’s because some of you grew up knowing the importance of locking doors, keeping sensitive matters off the dinner table, and using unlisted phone numbers.

It’s no wonder boomers are likely to read privacy policies before signing up for a product or service, with only 15% clicking “accept” even without reading the fine print.

But other boomers couldn’t care less about their privacy. In fact, some boomers don’t use strong, complex passwords. That makes them vulnerable to account takeovers.

The other bad privacy habits some boomers have are:

• Password Reuse
• Use of Fewer Security (e.g, they might rely on antivirus apps, but not use a password manager)
• Sharing Too Much Information

Now, when it comes to privacy concerns, baby boomers are generally more concerned about financial security and identity theft.

Additionally, 78% of baby boomers have expressed that they’re worried about how their personal information is being collected and handled.

Another concern boomers have is the threat of artificial intelligence (AI).

According to Malwarebytes, 54% of baby boomers aged 60 and 78 believe that AI tools like ChatGPT are more of a threat than social media.

Plus, they worry that AI tools are sneakily collecting and misusing their personal information. They say they’d feel more secure if AI companies offered regular privacy and security audits.

If you worry about AI too, know that you’re not paranoid. Your concerns are rational, and the threats are real.

AI Threats to Privacy:

• Data Collection: From the moment you sign up to every time you ask a chatbot about something, AI companies collect your data. This is a significant problem, especially since other people are sharing sensitive information with ChatGPT or Google Gemini (e.g., their health conditions, insurance issues, names of their loved ones, etc.).
  
• Data Breaches: When hackers attack AI companies, they will compromise your data. That’s what happened to 77% of businesses that have experienced an AI data breach in 2023.
  
• Lack of Transparency: Some AIs operate as black boxes. This means it’s hard to understand how AI systems use our personal data.

Overall, some baby boomers are privacy cautious but paired with bad security habits.

If you’re a baby boomer and you don’t care for your privacy, then this section is for you.

Below are the reasons, risks, and challenges that will tell you why you shouldn't disregard your privacy:

• Reason No. 1: You're Targeted More Than You Think – If you share or post everything online—be it your full name, Social Security number, or address—then you’ll be targeted with scams more often. Remember that identity theft and scams are fueled by our personal data. Plus, as a boomer, you probably have the assets. Money, car, properties, scammers, and thieves love all of that.
  
• Reason No. 2: Medical and Financials at Risk – As a boomer, you’re likely dealing with insurance, Social Security, and retirement accounts. When these get compromised, it can impede the proper care or financial assistance you should be getting.
  
• Reason No. 3: Algorithms Are Watching – Ever wonder why you’re getting ads about a new phone non-stop? That’s because of the algorithm. Every app, site, or digital platform you use collects and analyzes your online activity. They know what you searched last time, the shows you watch, and what you buy. Then, they use these pieces of information to target you with personalized ads.
  
• Reason No. 4: Once It’s Out There, It’s Hard to Get Back – If you’re not careful, your digital data can get stolen, copied, sold, and spread endlessly on the internet. What’s worse, once it’s on the dark web, it’ll be nearly impossible to remove it. That’s because the dark web is decentralized and anonymous, which means you can’t track a singular authority to whom you can request data deletion.

• Opt Out of Data Brokers: Remove your information from data brokers like Equifax and NumLookUp—companies that collect and sell consumer data through public records, the services you use, and online activity. You can do this with the help of our Free Opt Out Guide, which has a list of data brokers. Go to each of those sites and look for their opt-out processes.
  
• Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Make sure hackers can’t break into your accounts. This means instead of using your pet’s name or your birthday, use a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Make it at least 16 characters long. And if you have the budget, you can try a password manager (e.g., Bitwarden) to keep track of them safely.
  
• Check Privacy Settings on Social Media: Change your privacy settings on social media so that only your real friends can see your information and posts. Here are some tips:
  
  • Facebook: Settings & Privacy > scroll to Audience and Visibility > use Privacy Checkup > select Limit Past Posts
  • Instagram: Settings and Privacy > go to Account Privacy > toggle on Private Account
    
• Turn Off Location Sharing: Your apps don’t always need to know your location, and when you’re not at home. So, go to your phone’s settings and turn off location sharing—only turn it on when it’s necessary.
  
• Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi: Hackers can easily hijack public Wi-Fi networks. So, avoid using public wi-fi. Use only private, trusted networks, especially when using digital banking or shopping online.
  
• Seek Help When Needed: And remember: It’s okay to get help. When you don’t understand something, don’t hesitate to ask a family member, caregiver, or even local support agencies.

Overall, while boomers have witnessed how technology has evolved (more than any other generation), there are still gaps to be filled when protecting your privacy.

You need to stay informed and take proactive steps to safeguard your privacy from greedy companies, hackers, and scammers.

What’s so special about the baby boomer generation?

Baby boomers are special because they’re the generation who lived at the right time, in the right place. This means they have more money compared to younger generations, they’re still part of today’s workforce, they’re keeping up with social media, and they’re happy-go-lucky.

What parenting style do boomers use?

Generally, baby boomers have an authoritarian and authoritative parenting style. This means they’re parents are viewed as a figure of authority, focusing both on consequences for bad behavior and rewards for good deeds.