Empowering senior population with cyber awareness: Acronis joins national initiative in Romania

In the modern digital world, cybersecurity is not just a concern for businesses and tech-savvy individuals but also for some of the most vulnerable members of our society—seniors. Recognizing the growing threats seniors face online, Acronis was proud to join Romania’s national cyber safety awareness campaign for seniors in 2024, titled “CYBER SECURITY. Introduction for Seniors.”

Why is this so important? Fifty-seven percent of Romanian seniors have been targeted by cyber-attacks, and 32 percent have suffered financial losses due to online fraud. Moreover, 68 percent are unaware of cyber risks, and many do not use basic protection tools like antivirus software or two-factor authentication. These alarming statistics highlight the need for cybersecurity education tailored to seniors.

“Today, seniors actively read news online, manage bank accounts, shop, and stay connected through social media and email,” said Alexandra Dobre, PhD in public policy and leader of the “CYBER SECURITY. Introduction for Seniors” campaign. “While they enjoy these conveniences, they also face serious cybersecurity risks. Phishing attempts and online fraud targeting seniors are on the rise, often aiming to steal banking details and access personal accounts. To stay safe, seniors must learn to recognize common cyber threats and adopt essential protective measures.”

The initiative, launched by the Romanian National Institute for Active Aging, aims to equip seniors with essential cybersecurity skills to protect themselves from online fraud, scams, and other digital threats. The campaign kicked off at the end of 2024, and so far, two highly successful sessions have been held in Bucharest on January 28 and February 19, gathering more than 250 seniors eager to learn how to navigate the digital world safely.

Acronis experts, alongside specialists from the National Institute for Research and Development in Informatics (ICI), conducted interactive training sessions to help seniors recognize and avoid common online threats such as phishing, fraudulent phone calls, and social media scams. These sessions were not just about delivering information but also about fostering open discussions—many seniors shared personal stories of scams, seeking advice on how to better secure their digital presence.

The workshops covered practical cybersecurity skills, including staying vigilant against telephone fraud and social media scams, identifying and reporting phishing attempts, understanding the importance of strong passwords and password managers, and learning how to activate and use two-factor authentication.

Silvia Filip, Europe End Customer Acquisition Manager at Acronis, emphasized the importance of empowering seniors with digital confidence. “Cyber threats evolve rapidly, and scammers often target those who may not be familiar with online security practices. Our mission is to ensure that seniors feel safe, confident, and capable when using digital tools.”

The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the hands-on guidance and real-world examples provided. The campaign is set to expand further, reaching more cities and training even more seniors across Romania.

We invite all our partners to join the mission and support the digital safety and well-being of our parents and grandparents.

Acronis Cyber Foundation Program welcomes individuals, groups, and companies to partner with us to work side-by-side with underserved communities to bring them hope through education.