Many older Australians have fears about going online. They are reluctant to engage with technology because of security concerns and a lack of skills.
Security concerns
Vulnerability of devices to hacking: 72% internet user versus 66% non-internet user
Details being stolen when buying online: 55% internet user versus 62% non-internet user
The legitimacy of online stores: 55% internet user versus 54% non-internet user
Knowing if received emails are genuine: 54% internet user versus 47% non-internet user
Online banking not being secure: 52% internet user versus 66% non-internet user
Real online experiences
45% reported experiences with viruses, scams, or credit card and personal information theft.
47% of 50 to 69 year olds
40% of 70+ year olds
The general fears undermining confidence (for those with no or low digital literacy)
Hackers and privacy compromised
Performing unfamiliar tasks
Breaking ‘something’ and incurring additional costs to fix the ‘damage’
