Google and the Department of Information Security (Ministry of Information and Communications) released a video instructing the elderly how to recognize and defend against online scams.
The video guides the elderly on how to recognize and defend against online scams
On the occasion of World Cyber Safety Day – Safer Internet Day 2024 (February 6), Google cooperated with the Department of Information Security to release a video instructing the elderly how to recognize and defend against online scams. This is Google’s next effort in the program “Information safety in cyberspace for the elderly”, helping older people in Vietnam confidently use the internet, increasing awareness of information security and prevention. Avoid scams.
Titled “Be safe online, live with peace of mind with Google”, the video simulates 3 online fraud situations that older people often encounter and shows how to handle each situation. Situations include: Fake websites, applications of unknown origin, crooks taking over accounts. The video content is expressed by artist Xuan Bac through witty and memorable poetic words, emphasizing the message “Raise vigilance – Update regularly – Enjoy life with peace of mind”.
Also in activities towards World Cyber Safety Day 2024, Google conducted a survey of 1,248 Vietnamese internet users about online information safety. Survey results show that 90% of users have been exposed to online fraud and more than 70% have been victims. The over-55 age group is particularly vulnerable, with 49% having been scammed.
When digging deeper into the causes, the top 3 reasons why older people fall for online scams are: Not realizing the situation is a scam (48%), the transaction/prize seems attractive ( 39%), feel curious (38%). Regarding the influence of habits, 78% of users with unsafe online habits have been scammed, higher than the corresponding figure of 66% in the group of users with safe online habits.
Some common unsafe habits are: Using easy-to-remember combinations as passwords, using the same password for multiple accounts, or ignoring warnings from web browsers or app stores. Typically, using simple passwords, the survey showed that 33% of users over 55 years old have this habit – accounting for the highest rate among all age groups.
Note that internet users in Vietnam do not have clear differences in fraud rates between rural and urban groups or by time spent online. Specifically, the rate of people living in rural areas being scammed is 69% – compared to 73% of people living in urban areas. The rate of being scammed in the group online a lot (more than 7 hours/day in the last 3 months) is 69% – compared to the group online less at 75%. Thus, caution in online habits is the factor that has the greatest influence on the ability to prevent online fraud.
Recognizing the importance of building safe online habits, the program “Information safety in cyberspace for older people” was implemented by Google with a focus on building good habits for older people. such as: Account security, being cautious when sharing information online, identifying fraud tricks, principles of action when encountering fraud cases and when being scammed.
Previously, the program “Information safety in cyberspace for older people” was implemented by Google in Vietnam from August 2023 through coordination with the Vietnam Youth Union and the Health Center. Family and Community Development (CFC Vietnam). Google has provided the “Online Safety Handbook” as a training material, helping the program train more than 9,000 young people nationwide about online safety, thereby training more than 6,700 elderly people about online safety. the habit of keeping online information safe through local community activities. On November 30, 2023, Google accompanied the Vietnam Youth Union to organize the event “Promoting the pioneering role of youth in digital transformation”, combining training for youth union members and associations. Vietnam veteran.
