The latest research from Kaspersky Lab and B2B International has raised concerns about the safety of people over 55 when they are online. The findings of the research, in a report titled: “Older and wiser? A look at the threats that people over 55 face when they are online”, show that this age group can behave unsafely online and often fall victim to scams.
The findings are worrying because the survey, which surveyed 12,546 internet users worldwide, shows that the older generation is a very attractive target for cybercriminals.
Many people over 55, when they are online, shop online, bank, and communicate with loved ones without effectively protecting themselves and the things that are most important to them from cybercriminals.
Although this age group is more likely to install security software on their computers, they are less likely to protect their mobile devices or modify their online behavior to stay safe. For example, they use high privacy settings for social media and in their browser less than other age groups (30% vs. 38%). They are also less likely to use the security features that come with their devices (such as “find my device”) or VPNs – 28% and 10% respectively, compared to 42% and 16% respectively of users across all ages.
The older generation uses the Internet for many aspects of their lives – increasing their vulnerability to cybercriminals if they continue to connect to the Internet without taking precautions. They use the Internet to communicate with others. In particular, 94% of those over 55 send email regularly.
They also connect to the Internet to complete their daily tasks. This age group is more likely than others to conduct financial transactions online, with 90% of those over 55 shopping and banking online (compared to 84% of users on average across all age groups).
However, despite this, only half of over-55s (49%) are concerned about their vulnerability when buying products online and the vast majority (86%) do not believe they are a target for cybercriminals. Worryingly, four in ten (40%) have put themselves at risk by sharing financial details publicly (compared to 15% across all age groups).
Lack of technological knowledge makes people over 55 less prepared for the dangers of the online world. As a result, this generation is being victimized by cybercriminals. According to the report, 20% of Internet users overall have elderly relatives who have encountered malware and 14% have elderly relatives who have fallen victim to fraudulent online sweepstakes. In addition, 13% have elderly relatives who have shared too much personal information about themselves online and 12% have elderly relatives who have fallen victim to online fraud, encountered inappropriate/vulgar content, or communicated with dangerous strangers online.
Andrei Mochola, Head of Consumer Business at Kaspersky Lab, commented: “On the one hand, it is great to see that so many people over 55 are using the Internet to shop, bank and stay connected with their loved ones. The report clearly shows that this generation is embracing a connected life and all the opportunities that come with it. On the other hand, however, it is clear that the over 55s have not done enough to protect themselves properly. What is worrying is that they do not even think that they are a target for cybercriminals, but they are repeatedly putting themselves at risk.
“At Kaspersky Lab, we urge older Internet users to become aware of the risks they face when they are online, and to actina more technologically savvy manner. We also encourage younger Internet users to help their elderly relatives and friends better protect themselves from the real threats posed by cybercriminals. Being vigilant when they are online, as well as installing reliable security solutions and ensuring high privacy settings for all devices used to access the Internet, will ensure a happy and healthy connected life,” he concludes.
For more information on the online behavior of older users and the online threats they face, you can visit the dedicatedwebsite. You can also check your own level of digital literacy here. For more tips on how to protect yourself online you can read the dedicated blogspot.
