Cyber security for seniors

Estimated reading time
 4 min

Key points

• Online safety for seniors is important as it can help protect private information, like date of birth and account details, from being stolen and can ensure retirement savings are safe from threats.
  
  
• Some scam red flags include unexpected contact from someone impersonating an official agency or receiving a message with a suspicious link.
  
  
• We’re here with five essential tips to help seniors stay safe online, as well as what to do if you think you’ve been scammed.

From video calling family and friends overseas to shopping online, reading the news, or enjoying digital games, many older Australians use the internet to stay connected, independent and engaged.

Online safety is important at every stage of life. Seniors across Australia deserve to feel confident and protected when using digital devices, which is why we’re sharing practical cyber security tips to support older Australians (and the carers who help them) stay safe online.

Why is online safety for seniors important?

Online safety is important for seniors, as staying secure online can help protect personal information, finances and retirement savings. For older Australians, the risk of online scams and cybercrime is a serious concern, which is why taking simple preventative steps can make a meaningful difference to online security.

Using good security practices, such as protecting personal and financial details and staying alert to common scams targeting seniors - can help reduce the risk of identity theft, fraud and unauthorised access to accounts.

How can you tell if it’s a scam?

A scam is when someone tries to trick you into sending money or sharing information (including personal information) for their own benefit. Scammers often create a sense of urgency or play on emotions so you act quickly without checking the details.

Scammers may contact you by text message, phone call, email, or social media, and often pretend to be someone you trust, such as a bank, government organisation, family member, or friend to pressure you into giving information or transferring money.

Common signs of a scam include:

• Unexpected calls, emails, or messages claiming to be from a trusted organisation or someone you know
  
  
• Requests to click links or download attachments, which may lead to fake websites or phishing.
  
  
• Pressure to act quickly, including threats such as account suspension or fines
  
  
• Offers that sound too good to be true, such as easy money, refunds, or prizes that require a fee to claim
  
  
• Unusual messages from friends or family on social media, which may indicate a hacked or fake account

Tips to help you stay safe

 STOP.

If someone asks for personal or financial details, stop for a moment and think about whether it’s necessary to share this information.

 CHECK.

• Be alert to scams. Unexpected or urgent requests for money or personal information are warning signs.
• Use a family code word to confirm you’re speaking with a genuine loved one and reduce the risk of phone or voice‑spoofing scams.

 PROTECT.

• Use multi factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security to your accounts, such as a one time code sent to your phone or an authentication app.
• Turn on automatic updates to help protect your devices from malware and unauthorised access.

What to do if you think you’ve been scammed

• Stop responding to the scammer immediately
  
  
• Block the phone number or account used to contact you
  
  
• Change your passwords and passcodes on all online accounts and devices
  
  
• Run a security or virus scan to check for malware or unauthorised access
  
  
• Contact your bank immediately if you shared financial information or sent money. If you’re an ANZ customer, contact us immediately to report the fraud.
  
  
• Cancel or block credit cards if card details were shared. ANZ customers can report a stolen card through the ANZ app or by calling us directly.

How can you report cybercrime or a scam?

• Report the scam to the Australian Signals Directorate’s ReportCyber portal. This resource is there for reports of scams where money or personal information has been lost.
  
  
• Help others by reporting to Scamwatch to help them prevent future losses, monitor trends and educate the population about emerging threats.
  
  
• For phishing or identity theft associated with government accounts such as Centrelink, Medicare, or Child Support, contact the Services Australia scams and identity helpdesk on 1800 941 126 or visit their website.
  
  
• You can also contact IDCare, a not-for-profit organisation providing support to those experiencing identity and cyber security concerns.
  
  
• Contact your bank immediately if you have shared personal or financial information.
  
  
• If you’re an ANZ customer, you can report fraud or suspicious activity in multiple ways, such as through the ANZ app or by calling us