| As technology advances, it is exceedingly difficult for the average user to stay abreast of the latest trends and associated threats, this is even more of a challenge for the elderly. The threats from malicious actors are on the rise and include phishing scams, identity theft, cyber bank theft, and health care and insurance fraud. The elderly population is generally polite, not having grown up in the computer age, and their overall financially security and status makes them susceptible to malicious activity. Their increase in computer and Internet use, along with their general lack of experience and knowledge of the cyber threat landscape, can and has proven disastrous in many instances. Cyber training, education and awareness can be effective when training the public, but educating the elderly presents additional challenges. The purpose of this research was to propose a lectured based program to educate the elderly on the threats of malicious activities on the Internet. This research will provide the foundation for Security Awareness education and training materials to be presented to the elderly at various senior focused organizations (AARP), assisted living facilities, nursing homes and community organizations. An implementation focused on other potentially vulnerable demographics could be the basis for further research. |
