New Delhi: Amidst the growing prevalence of online scams, there has been a concerning increase among older adults who fall victim to cyber fraud due to a lack of knowledge and support networks. Moreover, even those with technology know-how can become susceptible, especially with rising social isolation. It makes them vulnerable to engaging in questionable offers and unknowingly becoming targets for scams and hacking incidents.
We rely on the Internet to stay connected and informed. But, as with any public environment, we need to safeguard ourselves to secure our data online on our computers or phones from hackers. s technology continues to advance, so do the methods employed by cybercriminals to exploit unsuspecting individuals especially older adults. The GetSetUp community, comprising individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences, has firsthand encountered many such cyber threats. By coming together and sharing their stories, they aim to help raise awareness of being vigilant and safe online from scams and fraud. In our #CyberAware week-long event, Cyber Security Experts are joining us to share how we can stay safe online, spot a potential security risk, and report frauds.
“It is important for us, as a society, to educate older adults – hearing stories from friends and family of elders losing their life savings to scammers and witnessing our own GetSetUp community members sharing their experiences reflected on the importance of empowering our active agers through the right resources, community, and compassion”, says Deval Delivala – Co-Founder at GetSetUp.
Delivala added, “Our upcoming Cyber Security series aims to equip older adults with essential technology tools and knowledge to stay safe online and protect themselves from cyber threats. Topics covered are the basics of cyber security, recognising scams, how to report them, and staying vigilant. Moreover, we are putting together resources shared by our community based on their experiences with cyber scams, which helps to create a supportive environment where the community can share their stories and learn from one another.”
Stories of GetSetUp user accounts of phishing attacks and cyber scams that were averted with the presence of mind and awareness can be accessed at: https://www.getsetup.in/blog/cyber-security-threats-seniors-getsetup-community
It would be nice if you could explore a relevant story about cybersecurity for older adults on the above premise in your esteemed publication. I will be happy to address any related queries.
About GetSetUp
GetSetUp was founded in 2019 to create economic, social, and educational opportunities for older adults. The company has achieved significant growth with more than 4.6 million users from 160 countries and over 100 partners with organisations from governments to health plans and financial institutions working with them. GetSetUp users globally logged over 1.3 million attendances on the platform in 2022 by accessing classes from 500+ hours of programming available each week. GetSetUp has localised sites in India, as well as in the U.S., Australia, and the United Kingdom. The platform offers daily classes for Indian learners on subjects pertaining to fitness, well-being, technology skills, entrepreneurship and community engagement, among others, in English and regional languages like Hindi, Tamil, and Gujarati and continues to add more languages. https://www.getsetup.in/
