Acronis Cyber Foundation co-hosts cybersafety workshop for senior citizens

October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month. To celebrate, we are excited to announce a strategic collaboration between the Acronis Cyber Foundation and the Digital Literacy Project. Together, both teams will host a free educational event, a cyber safety workshop for senior citizens, on Saturday, October 11, 2025 in Stoughton, Massachusetts. 

In an era where cyberthreats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, seniors remain one of the most targeted demographics for online scams and fraud. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Internet Crime Report 2024, personal data breaches and investment scams were the leading types of cybercrime affecting adults between the ages of 50 and 59. Seniors of 60-plus years of age accounted for the highest monetary losses, amounting to $4.8 billion due to cyberattacks. 

Acronis Cyber Foundation and Digital Literacy Project designed a workshop specifically for senior citizens. The cyber safety sessions will equip seniors with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the digital world safely and confidently. Our mission is to help protect seniors and bring awareness of online dangers to people of all ages. 

The workshop will provide comprehensive coverage of today's most pressing cybersecurity concerns, with a special focus on: 

As artificial intelligence technology becomes more accessible, scammers are leveraging AI to create convincing deepfake videos and voice clones to deceive victims. Twenty-four percent of advanced attacks involve AI such as deepfakes. Participants will learn how to identify these sophisticated scams and protect themselves from manipulation. 

Attendees will gain practical knowledge about: 

• Creating and managing strong, secure passwords. 

• Recognizing phishing attempts and suspicious communications. 

• Safe online browsing habits. 

• Protecting personal information. 

• Identifying common scam tactics targeting seniors. 

This collaboration brings together two organizations deeply committed to digital empowerment and safety. The Digital Literacy Project, a Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3) student-run nonprofit, has been dedicated to bridging the digital divide by providing underserved communities and seniors with essential technology skills. Partnering with the Acronis Cyber Foundation, known for its commitment to cybersecurity education and protecting vulnerable populations, creates a powerful alliance focused on making the digital world safer for everyone. 

Seniors are disproportionately affected by cybercrime, with losses from elder fraud reaching billions of dollars annually. Many older adults did not grow up with digital technology and may be less familiar with evolving online threats. By providing targeted education and raising awareness, we can help protect this at-risk population from financial loss, identity theft and emotional distress. 

This workshop represents more than just a single event—it's part of a broader commitment to ensuring that all members of our community can participate safely and confidently in our increasingly digital world. By empowering seniors with knowledge and practical skills, we're building a more secure digital future for everyone.