Beware Of Online Transaction Scams, Here's How To Help The Older Generation Use Technology Safely

Illustration of digital transaction (Photo: Pixabay)

JAKARTA - Recently Kaspersky conducted a study of the elderly group on online transactions and their trust in the antivirus software used.

The study, entitled "Mapping a secure path for the future of digital payments in APAC," reveals that digital considerations about cybersecurity and payments strongly influence consumer buying behavior in the region.

Nearly 17 percent of users in Southeast Asia admit that they prefer to pay with cash.

“Older adults are not from the internet age. Their concern is understandable and should be seen as a precautionary measure to make harmful mistakes in the technology they are still learning to use,” said Sandra Lee, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky.

To assist the senior generation in embracing technology safely when they are online, Kaspersky experts recommend the following:

1. Installing, launching, updating and using devices and apps effectively is a problem for some older users. Parental controls are not only for limiting activity to their children they can also be used to simplify things for the senior group.

Controlled user accounts can help manage computers, devices, and applications by limiting the number of options that can be accessed so as to prevent them from feeling confused and launching programs by accident. It can also enable remote login to help manage activity.

2. Ensure that applications and programs are set to update automatically so that they always have the latest and most secure versions.

3. Security solutions and practical steps can minimize the risk of becoming a victim of cyber threats and maintain the security of financial information. Take advantage of reliable security solutions for comprehensive protection from various threats to help verify the authenticity of the websites of the banks, payment systems, and online shops you visit, and to establish secure connections.

4. Explain regularly to them the importance of safe internet and cyber hygiene practices. Teach them how to keep passwords private, only share information with people they know in real life, only connect to the home network when making online transactions, and never click on suspicious links, and so on.

5. Encourage them to contact you if they have questions or need help in the digital world