Tech terms just sound like something you’re making up when talking to older people, so do your best to use examples and help them understand why keeping safe online is important.
Explain to them that their digital assets (bank account, personal information, etc.) need as much protection as their physical ones (house, car, wallet, etc.), except that, for the most part, they can’t insure their digital belongings, so they should be extra careful with how they handle the information, without making them feel anxious.
As trainer, you can use the following approach: “ cyber-criminals use different methods – instead of breaking into your home and stealing your physical things, they use a computer and run off with the money in your account and you may not even notice that it’s happening”.
Older people might be thrilled to discover online shopping and discount coupons, so it’ll be easy for malicious content to end up on their computer if they click for example “you’re our 1000000th customer!” banner scam. For this, you should tell them that they shouldn’t accept a gift from someone they don’t know or open an email from an unknown sender.
Helping them understand that the consequences of their online actions have as big of an impact as those they do in real life, will give them a better perspective on how they can be affected by cyber-criminals. And remind them constantly that hackers don’t target only certain categories of Internet users, but extend the effects of their malicious tactics to as many people as they can reach.
A guide like the one compiled by the National Cybersecurity Alliance and Homeland Security (available here) might come in very handy when taking them through this learning process.
Exercise 3.1: Show them how they could get compromised
Duration: 2h
Aims: Teach seniors to get a better picture of how their computer could get infected or compromised and how their money could get stolen.
Contents:
Offer some convincing examples:
- Show them how clicking a malicious ad could infect their laptop
- Teach them about spam and how to organize their inbox (you can also use this guide about email security)
- Advise them not to download anything suspicious
- Warn them against installing new software on their computer without consulting someone who knows about technology (their children, an expert etc).
Activity 3.1.1: Learn from case studies
Purpose of the exercise:
Using these steps will ensure that any activity that seniors do on the internet does not negatively impact their computer. Cybercrime is the fastest growing crime internationally, and it is estimated that it cost $600 billion last year alone. With so many threats, it can be difficult to protect ones computer and data.
Duration in minutes: 60 minutes
Group size: 6-10 (medium)
Instructions for the trainer:
A simple example is to tell them about ransomware: advise them to read this story about how someone’s mother became a victim of cyber-criminals and paid over $500 to rescue her data after her computer was infected with CryptoWall. That’s something they should remember!
Equipment: Smartphone and/or Computer, Access to internet, projector or videoconference system
Tips and tricks for the trainer:
- Be open and approachable about older people questions and don’t talk in a condescending manner. It’s important for them to be vigilant online and to know how to react to different triggers that cyber-criminals might use (banners, links, spam, etc.).
- Of course, remember to advise them against giving their personal information for any forms or contents they may come across online. You don’t want to worry them too much, but enough to be observant, while still enjoying Wikipedia, Facebook or other websites.
- A good way to teach older people about security features on their laptop is to show them how to store their passwords in a safe place and to set up a password for their computer.
- When it comes to paying bills, show them what security symbols they should be looking for (SSL, the padlock symbol, etc.) when making a financial transaction. Teach them what alerts to look for when if the antivirus kicks in (you should install this right after the initial setup) or for signs of malware infection and assure them that they can give you a call anytime they have questions.
- Offer them resources online they can read themselves.
Activity 3.1.2: Virus protection
Purpose of the exercise:
Help them choose, download and install anti-spyware and anti-virus programs. Plenty of such programs are available but a great option for older people on a budget is to look for free online programs.
Spybot Search and Destroy and AVG Free are two of the many free options that protect a computer from spyware and viruses.
Duration in minutes: 60 minutes
Group size: 6-10 (medium)
Instructions for the trainer:
Antivirus software is one of the most important solutions you can use to avoid infections. Both free and paid versions exist, and the most popular free options include Avast Free Antivirus, Microsoft Windows Defender, and AVG Antivirus. Make sure that any software you use is regularly updated and running the latest version.
As for ease of use, we highly recommend the following:
- Norton by Symantec is a great all-around option that is reliable and easy to use.
- Comodo offers a seamless experience. Start and stop scans with only one click.
If you’re looking for more options, check out our reviews on some of the best antiviruses on the market.
Equipment: Smartphone and/or Computer, Access to internet, projector or videoconference system
Tips and tricks for the trainer:
Advise seniors to:
- Install anti-virus software
- Install anti-spyware software
- Keep your operating system updated
