Seniors and Cyber Safety: A Growing Concern

Older adults are increasingly becoming targets of cyber threats. To combat this, a new online training program has been introduced. This program focuses on teaching seniors how to protect themselves from various online dangers. The training is designed for seniors living in the Atlanta area, but it's open to anyone who wants to participate. Participants start by providing some basic information. Then, they watch videos covering topics like device security and common online threats. After each video, they answer a few questions to test their understanding. If they want to improve their scores, they can retake the training right away or come back later. The training can be completed in about 35 minutes if done in a group setting. However, it's recommended to take 45 to 50 minutes to allow for discussion and reflection. This way, participants can fully grasp the importance of the information being presented. Cyber threats targeting seniors come in many forms. Romance scams, where scammers build relationships online and then ask for money, are common. Fake advertisements on social media can also trick seniors into scams. Additionally, artificial intelligence is being used to manipulate voices and impersonate acquaintances on phone calls. This can lead to seniors being tricked into sending money to help a "grandchild" in trouble. With the rise of smartphone usage, text scams are also becoming more prevalent. Falling victim to a cyber scam can be embarrassing for seniors. However, it's important to keep the conversation open. Everyone has a story about cyber threats, and it's crucial to continue discussing this issue. The goal is to make cyber safety a topic that seniors can talk about openly, without feeling ashamed.