Retirees are common targets of cyber scams, attacks, and thefts. In 2023, Americans over 60 reported the highest number of cybercrimes, with over 100,000 complaints filed by people in that age group. We know that retirees are more vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. For that reason, as a retired person, you must take steps to protect your online presence from vulnerabilities. In this article, we will cover eight strategies to help guard against cybersecurity threats and identity theft.
Why Are Retirees Particularly Vulnerable to Cybercrime?
Two main factors leave retirees most at risk of falling victim to cybercrime. First, retirees are more likely to have accumulated savings and wealth, making them attractive targets for scammers. At the same time, they are less likely to be tech-savvy, leaving them more vulnerable to cybercriminals’ evolving methods of manipulation and extraction.Some common online threats include:
- Phishing Scams
Phishing scams involve fraudulent emails, messages, or websites that impersonate legitimate entities to trick retirees into revealing personal information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or Social Security numbers. One subset of phishing scams, spear phishing, uses personal information and may appear to come from someone you know or trust. - Malware Attacks
Malware refers to malicious software, including viruses, designed to damage or disrupt systems, steal data, or perform other harmful actions. - Social Engineering
Social engineering is a strategy cybercriminals use to manipulate individuals into revealing confidential information or performing actions that compromise security. It often involves psychological manipulation and the use of personal information that attackers find about you online.
