Retirement Life
19 July 2025
You’re never too old to practice safe tech
You check your smoke alarms. You lock your doors. But are you doing the digital equivalent to protect yourself online?
Consumer cybersecurity brand Avast’s new Safe Tech Report provides insights into our online habits and how we guard against scams, particularly older generations who might be less familiar with rapid changes in the digital landscape.
Staying safe online doesn’t require technical wizardry. But it does demand smart habits, a dose of caution, and being open to advice from the people you trust, especially those tech-savvy youngsters!
What are the risks?
According to Avast’s report, which is based on the experiences of over 1,000 New Zealanders, almost 50% of Kiwis say their older loved ones have faced an online threat. Of those, 26% were scammed, 17% experienced financial fraud, 10% were hit by malware (malicious software that can infect a device), and 7% were victims of identity theft.
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What’s worrying is how scammers are changing their tactics. While some use old tricks like fake tech support pop-up messages or dodgy invoice scams, others are adopting new technology like AI to make their comms seem more believable. Once upon a time, a scam email might’ve been riddled with spelling mistakes. Now, many are slick, polished, and easy to fall for, especially if they impersonate trusted brands, banks or even family members.
SMS texts, voicemail, Facebook, and online marketplaces are frequent targets. Romance scams are also still in circulation, and phone calls remain one of the most common ways fraudsters make their move.
“It won’t happen to me”...until it does
Many older New Zealanders are tech-smart and cautious, but even the most prudent among us can be caught off guard. Scammers prey on trust and politeness, often using fear or urgency to cloud judgment. And despite efforts by younger family members to help, the report shows that not all advice sticks. While most Kiwis with older loved ones try to share safety tips (84% have tried to warn their older family members about risky online behaviour), only around half of recipients of such advice change their habits.
That’s not because people aren’t capable. Sometimes the advice just isn’t explained clearly. Sometimes it’s overwhelming. And sometimes, it just doesn’t feel urgent, until something goes wrong.
The report highlighted five common but concerning behaviours that could expose people to online threats
- Clicking on suspicious links
- Oversharing personal information
- Responding to texts from strangers
- Downloading unfamiliar apps
- Using weak passwords
Five simple habits to stay safe online
A few small changes can make a big difference. Avast recommends these five ‘Safe Tech’ habits:
1. Strengthen password habits: Use long, unique passwords for each account – at least 15-20 characters with a mix of lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers and symbols. Avoid personal information and consider using a password manager.
2. Spot the red flags: Be cautious with unsolicited emails, texts or calls claiming to be from banks, NZ Police or tech support. Scams often create a false sense of urgency to trigger quick action.
3. Know the common scams: Become familiar with the top scams targeting older adults, such as phishing, tech support hoaxes, romance scams, fake invoice scams, fake software updates and fake NZ Police scams.
4. Set up smart safety tools: Protect phones, computers and tablets with security software that includes scam protection and use a secure browser. Keep devices and apps updated.
5. Make cyber safety a team effort: Create a “phone-a-friend” plan and run things by someone you trust if you’re in doubt about whether a message or request is legitimate.
Leverage the digital natives in your life
"Older adults genuinely want to stay safe online but weren't raised with this technology where the rules are constantly changing," says Mark Gorrie, APAC managing director for Avast. "The report shows that small behaviours…can open the door to massive fraud. That's why families need to talk about it, openly and often."
So, next time your kids or grandkids offer to review your device settings or update your passwords, take them up on it. And if you’re confident online, consider offering to do the same for someone else in your life.
Staying safe online is a bit like financial planning, it’s better to start early, keep checking in, and adapt as the world changes.
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Whether you’re sending emails, shopping online, keeping up with friends on Facebook or checking your investment balance, knowing how to spot a scam is a life skill worth investing in.
Written by:
Vanessa Glennie
Vanessa is Head of Communications at Lifetime Retirement Income. She’s an experienced investment writer, having spent more than a decade writing about financial markets in the global fund management industry.
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