Cyber Safety for vulnerable populations – How can cybersecurity advice be tailored to the needs of vulnerable populations​?

Our challenge is ensuring that minority groups are not disproportionately vulnerable to cyber-attacks due to differences in digital proficiency. Cyber security is crucial when engaging with technology, with global and regional implications for how minority communities interact with digital tools. The “Creating our Futures” report emphasizes the need to bridge the digital divide, particularly for older adults who are both in need of technological assistance and most apprehensive about cyber threats. To address this, the focus is on providing digital literacy education, support, and awareness of online risks, specifically tailored to older adults. This initiative aims to make the internet safer for older adults by offering easily understandable security advice, debunking common myths, and boosting their mental well-being and trust online. As more services transition to digital platforms, ensuring safe access for all becomes paramount, particularly in areas like digital healthcare. The project’s research will also shape government policies, guaranteeing user-friendly security guidelines that maximize protection without overwhelming users. By understanding the specific needs of different user groups, the project will create customized security guidelines, which will be continually adapted based on community feedback. This unique approach combines technical cybersecurity with social science to support vulnerable adults in using technology safely. The project acknowledges that digital skills are part of the issue but operates in a context where adults may face abuse within close relationships. Understanding these “threat actors” and their behavior is integral to tailoring advice effectively. The project has engaged with over 100 older adults and 30 key stakeholders in this space, revealing positive attitudes toward technology’s role in their lives, tempered by fears of irreversible financial loss. Charities and public sector bodies offer support, but their capacity for technology guidance is limited.