New online tool to educate on internet security

The 'Intergenerational Socialisation Tool' aims to break down age barriers while promoting safer use of technology. The project will link high school students with aged care residents in an effort to reduce online identity theft.

University of the Sunshine Coast researchers and campus-based organisation iDcare launched the innovative program this week. The program received funding from the IRT Foundation, which is part of seniors' lifestyle and care service provider IRT Group.

It is the latest project for USC Senior Research Fellow Dr David Lacey, a leading expert in identity security and financial crime and the founder of iDcare, a national support centre for victims of identity crime.

Dr Lacey and researchers from USC’s Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems are designing and building the online tool which will be tested with local schools and aged care facilities, and analysed by USC before expected implementation early next year.

“We want generations to connect,” Dr Lacey says. “We don’t want some members of our community feeling isolated and left behind by technology. This pilot program is planned to expand to other states.”

IRT Group Chief Executive Nieves Murray says: “This is an important project given that iDcare figures suggest one-third of identity theft and misuse cases involve older people.”

“iDcare has identified that older people are particularly susceptible to online and telephone initiated identity theft threats, most of which can be prevented with some basic online security knowledge,” she says.

Dr Lacey says the tool will promote safe online participation through peer-based learning. “We’re aiming to improve the ability of both younger and older people to navigate the internet safely,” he says.

“Although current school students have grown up with the internet, they can also be blasé about security, so we expect benefits for all age groups.”

According to iDcare grants officer Christine Jackson many callers to the centre were seniors who had fallen victim to online or telephone scams.

“This project is highly innovative and will deliver an example of where intergenerational activities provide valued outcomes across the community,” she says.