Cyber Safety Training: Protecting Older Canadians in the Digital Age

Cybercrime is now the top crime targeting older Canadians, with scams and online fraud costing seniors millions each year (Globe and Mail, 2025). As more Canadians over 55 embrace digital tools, they also face increasing risks from sophisticated cybercriminals. In 2023, nearly 64,000 frauds were reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, affecting almost 40,000 victims-and seniors are disproportionately impacted (Globe and Mail, 2025). Yet, due to feelings of shame or embarrassment, many cases go unreported, meaning the true toll is likely much higher (UBC, 2025).

Connected Canadians’ Cyber Safety Training Program

Launching May 2025, our comprehensive Cyber Safety Training Program is designed to empower older adults, community workers, and volunteers with the knowledge and skills to stay safe online-and to support others who may be at risk or have already been affected.

Our program includes four targeted offerings:

  • Cyber Safety Basics:
    Establish foundational knowledge to recognize common scams, secure personal information, and navigate the digital world with confidence. Perfect for those who want to stay safe online.

  • Cyber Safety First Aid: Support & Prevention:
    Learn to prevent individuals from being compromised and prepare to support those affected by cybercrime. This stream covers recognizing signs of victimization, providing empathetic assistance, and connecting individuals to the right resources for recovery. Ideal for those familiar with foundational cyber safety concepts who wish to be more effective in supporting victims.

  • Cyber Safety First Aid: Comprehensive:
    Combines Cyber Safety Basics with Cyber Safety First Aid: Support & Prevention for the most complete program. Perfect for groups new to cyber safety who also want to support others in their community as volunteers or skilled employees.

  • Cyber Safety Workshops:
    Engage in hands-on, interactive sessions to dive deeper into topics like financial fraud prevention, identity theft protection, and social engineering awareness. Our expert-led sessions use practical strategies and real-life case studies to build confidence and resilience.

Why Choose Connected Canadians?

Our training is developed with cyber security experts, taking into account the latest Canadian research and real-world data, ensuring you learn the most relevant skills to protect yourself and your community. We address not only prevention and technical skills, but also the importance of psychological support-empowering you to recover from cybercrime and support others through the process. Not only that, but all money raised by our training programs go to continue to provide free technology training and support for Canadian seniors from coast to coast to coast.

Take control of your cyber safety - contact us today to find out how you can bring this training in your organization.

If you or someone you know has been affected by cybercrime, remember: you are not alone. Support is available, and recovery is possible.

Why Are Older Canadians Especially Vulnerable to Cybercrime?

  • Less Familiarity with Technology: Many older adults did not grow up with digital technology and may not feel confident spotting suspicious emails, texts, or websites. This makes it easier for scammers to trick them with convincing messages or fake websites.

  • Attractive Financial Targets: Seniors often have retirement savings or steady pensions, making them appealing to fraudsters looking for larger payouts.

  • Greater Trust and Willingness to Help: Older Canadians are sometimes more likely to trust people and organizations, especially if a scammer pretends to be a family member, government official, or bank representative.

  • Social Isolation: Many seniors live alone or have limited social contact, which can make them more susceptible to scams that play on emotions, such as urgent requests for help or companionship.

  • Growing Online Presence: As more older adults use the internet for banking, shopping, and staying in touch, their exposure to online threats increases.

Recent Canadian studies show that seniors are not only targeted more often but also tend to lose more money per incident than younger adults. This highlights the urgent need for tailored education, prevention, and support programs for older Canadians navigating the digital world.

Adapted from Cybersecurity Risks for Seniors: A Guide for Faculty and Staff, UBC, 2025.

The Hidden Cost: Psychological Impact

The effects of cybercrime go far beyond financial loss. Seniors who fall victim often experience anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress. Shame and self-blame can lead to social withdrawal and reluctance to seek help, compounding the emotional toll.

This highlights the importance of not just prevention, but also compassionate support and recovery resources for victims.

Take control of your cyber safety - contact us today to find out how you can bring this training in your organization.