Building the Digital Divide: A cyber safety program for seniors - ICMS

Manly Computer Pals are delighted to be hosting ICMS to present a workshop entitled ‘Bridging the Digital Divide – Cyber Security for the Elderly’ which aims to empower seniors to protect themselves from cybercrime and scams through essential skills development.

WHEN: THURSDAY 12 March 2026

WHERE: Manly Seniors Centre, 275 Pittwater Road, Manly

COST: FREE

REGISTRATION: Essential

The Cybersafe Seniors Program is for senior participants who want to develop their knowledge and skills in using digital devices or online applications safely. The program aims to empower seniors to protect themselves from cybercrime and scams by equipping them with essential knowledge and proactive skills. 

The program draws from the most current research findings, the Australian government’s ‘Act Now – Stay Secure’ campaign, and expert insights.  On completion of the program, participants will be able to :

• Identify common cyber security threats that specifically target seniors
  
• Recognise warning signs of fraudulent activities in emails, phone calls and online platforms
• Apply preventative strategies to protect personal information and digital accounts
• Build confidence in questioning suspicious requests and reporting scams to appropriate authorities.

The project ‘Bridging the Digital Divide – Cyber Security for the Elderly’ and the ‘CyberSafe Seniors Program’ of ICMS is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affair’s Cyber Security Awareness Support for Vulnerable Groups Grant Program (2024 – 2026).

Project Team

The project team comprises a multidisciplinary team of experts in risk management, information technology and cyber security. The project is led by Associate Professor Betul Sekendiz, Associate Dean (Scholarship) at ICMS. Other project team members are Dr Patrick Shearman, Program Manager (Information Technology) and Connor Barkley, Lecturer (Information Technology).