Millions of Brits 'forced to act as online security guards' for elderly relatives

A recent survey of 1,000 Brits has uncovered a worrying trend among the elderly, with 41% of respondents who have an older loved one believing they could be duped by scammers. A full 81% have elder family members, and 30% acknowledge their risky digital behaviour.

Topping the list of unsafe practices are clicking on dubious links (68%), answering calls from unknown callers (60%), oversharing personal details (55%), using simple passwords (51%), and responding to unsolicited texts (47%).

The study, commissioned by Avast, highlights a significant concern about the vulnerability of Britain's aged population in the face of evolving tech scams.

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Leyla Bilge, Global head of scam research, expressed concern: "Technology evolves so quickly that we often focus on its impact on younger generations, but we can't ignore how it affects everyone."

She emphasised the importance of assisting elders in digital protection: "Supporting our parents and grandparents with online safety can be challenging, but it's incredibly important."

The findings also showed that 26% of older Brits have encountered scams, while 21% have been victims of financial fraud, not to mention other serious threats like data breaches and identity theft. This has resulted in 75% of Brits fretting over their older relatives becoming scam targets.

Seniors have also fallen prey to questionable emails, phone calls, and text messages, with 24% being tricked by fake websites.

Despite the risks, nearly half (46%) of the elderly still resort to jotting down their passwords on paper, as reported by their family members.

A worrying 24% of people are reusing the same passwords across all their accounts, while 17% are writing them down in a note on their devices.

Leyla Bilge from Avast shared some sage advice: "Think of the safety guidance you would get on a flight – put on your own oxygen mask before helping others."

She continued, "The same applies to Cyber Safety: learn the tips yourself first and then you can use that knowledge to help guide and inspire others."

Bilge emphasised the impact of education, saying, "Even a single conversation could make a big difference in ensuring our older loved ones stay safe and connected in the digital world."

Echoing the sentiment, Jorij Abraham, managing director of the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), highlighted the importance of collective vigilance. "As online threats become more sophisticated, it's vital that we treat cyber safety as a shared responsibility across generations."

He added, "A simple conversation can help prevent a devastating scam and empower families to navigate the digital world more confidently together."

To bolster online security, here are FIVE ESSENTIAL TIPS:

1. Bolster Password Practices: Craft long, distinct passwords for each account – aim for 15-20 characters blending lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Steer clear of personal details and consider a password manager.

2. Recognise Warning Signs: Exercise caution with unexpected emails, texts, or calls purporting to be from banks, the NHS, or tech support. Scams often instil a false sense of urgency to provoke hasty decisions.

3. Get to Grips with Common Cons: It's crucial for older adults to familiarise themselves with prevalent scams, including phishing, bogus tech support, romance frauds, grandparent cons, sham software updates, and NHS swindles.

4. Install Robust Security Measures: Safeguard your phones, computers, and tablets with security software that offers scam defence, like Avast featuring Scam Guardian, and opt for a secure web browser. Regularly update your devices and applications.

5. Turn Cyber Safety into a Group Activity: Establish a "phone-a-friend" strategy and consult with a trusted individual if you're uncertain about the authenticity of a message or request.