Aussie Seniors Tech-Savvy, 80% Fear Online Data Security

Benetas

New research, by not-for-profit aged care provider Benetas, regarding technology use by older Australians has found that Aussie seniors are tech savvy and social but privacy and security concerns, not tech challenges, are their biggest limitations, with 17% of seniors having lost money from an online scam.

The Benetas Digital Inclusion & Cyber Safety Among Australian Seniors Research Study also found:

  • Eight in ten older Australians describe technology as important in helping them keep in touch with family and friends.
  • Using videos calls (48%) to make or receive calls has overtaken use of landlines (45%), but mobile phones are well in front at 94%.
  • 50% of older Australians use social media daily
    • 76% of women and 62% of men are on social media
  • Only 10% are very confident in their ability to stay safe online.
  • However, only 39% change their passwords regularly and just 10% of people surveyed had received any cyber safety training.
  • 55% of older Australians say they would like to improve their knowledge further so they can do more things online.
  • Strong interest in cyber safety training with keys areas being learning more about avoiding online scams (58%), how to recognise phishing emails or texts (49%), safe online banking practices (45%) and password security (40%).
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