Cybersecurity at risk

Older online users in the UAE are at a greater risk of online threats as a result of them not taking the necessary precautions, new research has shown. It showed 64 per cent of older online users have suffered from an online threat.

dubai — Older online users in the UAE are at a greater risk of online threats, as a result of them not taking the necessary precautions, new research has shown.

Kaspersky data showed that 64 per cent of older online users in the UAE have suffered from an online threat. The data also showed that users aged 55 and above are also becoming more digital, and spending longer periods of time online. With 22 per cent of people in the UAE not doing anything to protect their older relatives, concerns are mounting that more action is needed to protect people from online dangers.

According to research from Kaspersky Lab and B2B International, 84 per cent of users aged 55 and over are now accessing the Internet at home several times a day and 44 per cent are spending a minimum of 20-hours a week on the Internet. Indeed, as of the second half of 2017 this age group owned an average of four connected devices per household, including two computers and two mobile devices.

Despite the many benefits offered by these levels of connectivity, family members have concerns that their older relatives are not taking the necessary precautions to protect themselves when online, with 58 per cent of people worried for the safety of their digitally connected elders. Online threats that they have faced include falling victim to an online scam in 20 per cent of the cases;

22% of people in UAE not doing anything to protect older relatives from threats

encountering malware or viruses in 17 per cent of cases; and being spied on by malicious software in 19 per cent of cases.

“Older Internet users are a vulnerable and highly lucrative target group for cybercriminals, putting them firmly in their sights for malware, spyware and email scams,” said Dmitry Aleshin, vice-president for product marketing at Kaspersky Lab.

“The only way to combat these constantly evolving threats is through a combination of increased vigilance and the installation of effective security software on all devices, including mobile ones. This will help keep on top of the security risks and protect senior family members against any nasty digital disturbances.”

Experts have further pointed out that more action is required since only 40 per cent of respondents installed a security solution on their older relatives’ devices; and just 35 per cent regularly educate them about online threats. In addition, 33 per cent have done nothing at all to help protect older family members, potentially increasing the risk of them inadvertently suffering a cybersecurity incident.