In today’s digital-first world, seniors are one of the fastest-growing groups of internet users. According to Eurostat, around 70% of Europeans aged 65+ accessed the internet regularly in 2023—a sharp increase from previous years. While this digital integration offers opportunities for social connection, health access, and convenience, it also introduces serious cybersecurity risks.

Why Seniors Are More Vulnerable to Cyber Threats

Older adults are disproportionately targeted by phishing scams, fraudulent messages, and fake websites. A 2024 report from the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) reveals that people over 60 are more likely to fall victim to online scams due to:

• Lower digital literacy

• Unfamiliarity with evolving online threats

• Increased social isolation

Nearly 1 in 4 seniors have reported experiencing cyber fraud, including identity theft and financial scams. These incidents not only cause financial loss but often lead to emotional distress and reduced confidence in using digital tools—deepening the digital divide.

Introducing the Cyber Safe Senior Project

To tackle these challenges, the Cyber Safe Senior initiative was launched. This EU-wide project aims to:

• Raise awareness of digital safety

• Equip adult educators with the tools to support seniors in building cyber resilience

• Promote intergenerational learning and collaboration

With partners from Slovenia, Greece, Turkey, Poland, and beyond, the project has developed educational modules tailored to seniors’ needs.

What Seniors Learn: Key Cybersecurity Topics

The program covers practical, real-life online safety concerns, including:

• How to identify common scams and phishing attempts

• Creating and managing strong, secure passwords

• Safe use of social media and personal information

• Spotting fake SMS, calls, and emails

• Best practices for online banking and shopping

• What to do after a cyber incident

Training for Impact: A European Success Story

In a major milestone, 25 certified adult educators from across Europe gathered in Slovenia for a three-day intensive workshop. The event focused on:

• Testing training materials

• Sharing best practices

• Preparing educators to deliver sessions in their communities

This train-the-trainer approach ensures a scalable and sustainable impact, as trained educators are now equipped to share cybersecurity knowledge within their local communities across Europe.

Trainers from various European countries participated in Cyber Safe Senior workshops held in Slovenia, exchanging best practices and preparing to empower seniors with essential digital safety skills.

Why Cyber Education for Seniors Matters

Digital inclusion is not just about internet access—it’s about safety, confidence, and freedom. Projects like Cyber Safe Senior:

• Help reduce social isolation

• Increase digital independence

• Support the EU’s Digital and Cybersecurity Strategies

As cyber threats evolve, so must our responses. Empowering older adults with digital safety skills is a vital step toward a safer internet for everyone.

Learn More or Get Involved

Visit the official Cyber Safe Senior website to access free training materials, project updates, and guides.