Mitigating risks of online engagement; considering the contexts and mechanisms of cybercrime among older adults

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThis talk will explore how benefits of remote interventions can be realised for older people with cognitive impairments alongside risk mitigation, drawing on a realist review of how and in what circumstances older people become victims of cybercrime. We aimed to identify factors leading to older adults' victimisation, and review theory and evidence for interventions to reduce victimisation risks.MethodWe conducted a realist review synthesising published literature and gathering stakeholder experiences via an online workshop to understand how, why and in what circumstances older adults are at risk of financial cybercrime victimisation. We used the evidence to develop a programme theory and Context, Mechanism, Outcome Configurations (CMOCs) to explain the mechanisms by which older adults become victims of financial cybercrime in different contexts, and to inform the development of interventions to produce desired outcomes of reducing and preventing cybercrime.ResultWe analysed 52 primary and secondary data sources and consulted with 21 stakeholders from across health, social, legal, and financial sectors. Our programme theory comprised 16 CMOCs describing how social isolation, cognitive decline, physical and mental health problems; wealth status, limited cyber security skills or awareness, societal attitudes and content of scams led to increased risk of victimisation. Only evidence for interventions to enhance cyber security awareness and skills of potential older victims was identified. Targeting offender motivation, redesign of security software to increase usability by older people and training programmes for professionals and family members are rational, yet untested interventions. A shift in societal attitudes, conveying positive messages, of older people’s rights to be safely active online, is needed too.ConclusionProtection from cybercrime is instrumental to supporting ageing in a digital world. Incorporating cyber security awareness into future interventions that promote social connectedness, cognition and healthy lifestyles, alongside legal structural protections, and measures to improve societal attitudes towards financial cybercrime victimisation will help older adults navigate online spaces safely. Training programmes targeting older adults, or their supporters should be deliverable by a range of professionals for greatest reach; and be co‐designed with end users to ensure that if they are useful, they are acceptable and used.