Waking up to Cyber risk Sajid Kadri IT Development Manager
According to the Office for National Statistics data, internet use in the UK is at a record high, with 92% of adults recorded as recent users. Those aged 55-and-over are driving the fastest pace of growth. There are indications that the internet will be age-neutral by 2028, with virtually 100% of all ages using the internet. Whilst more younger people (65% of 16-24 year-olds) have increased their online shopping over the last year, there is still a number of older people who have upped their usage, too (39% of 55+ yearolds). It is out of-date to think of the internet as a tool for the younger generation. This usage has impacted on the scale of online fraud with a deluge of opportunities for fraudsters being reported over the past year. The current online environment, combined with the challenging economic conditions and increased financial strain on consumers, has created the perfect storm for fraudsters to exploit the most vulnerable. The scams range from attempts to sell people unsuitable car insurance to, at worst, stealing their entire retirement savings. Imitation websites that copy-cat well-known financial services brands, and misleading adverts are now commonplace. The impact on victims is not just financial either, it has a detrimental effect on people’s mental wellbeing too.
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