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SENIIOR CITIZEN IN THE INTERNET - CYBERSECURITY RISKS

Irina Grigoryeva, Maksim Shubinskiy, Elizaveta Mayorova

Abstract

The main goal of our research was to evaluate the need of elderly computer users for special training on cybersecurity. The article highlights the results of our study which deals with the elderly and their information practices. We used 268 questionnaires from Russia, Belarus, Lithuania, Denmark and Sweden. Only members of social organiza tions were included in the sample. It was important to find out whether pensioners use the Internet and what for. It turned out that the spectrum of used features is quite narrow. On the other hand hand, there is also an increase of using Internet for public se rvices, for paying for goods and other services. The data of this study was based on the analysis of the annual Norton Report 2013 and typical cyber crime cases where pensioners were victims. So this data led us to the conclusion about high risk of ICT use among elderly, which also accompanies opportunities for them. Governments in most European countries and the European Commission are making great efforts in the fight against cybercrime. But elderly people are not regarded as a potential risk group in the existing cybersecurity strategies. The analysis of computer literacy training programs for elderly people led us to the conclusion that cybersecurity issues are not considered or considered in a very small amount in this kind of programs. The results of o ur research allowed us to identify common problem areas for all countries participating in the study. The analysis showed the need of specialized training course on cyber security for the elderly and also the guidelines for its conduct.

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DOI resolver: doi.org/10.5593/sgemsocial2014/B12/S2.096

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