Being online is no longer optional. From banking and healthcare to education, work, and staying in touch with loved ones, digital services are now part of everyday life. Yet for many people, going online does not feel empowering. It feels risky, confusing, or even frightening.

Cyber violence is often discussed in relation to young people, social media, or online harassment. But cyber harm takes many forms, and it affects people of all ages. Online scams, financial exploitation, identity theft, and digital exclusion can have serious emotional, social, and financial consequences. For those who feel unsupported or lack confidence with technology, a single bad experience can lead to complete withdrawal from the digital world.

This article explores why digital strength must include people who are digitally vulnerable or new to technology, and how community-based, human-centred approaches can help build safer and more inclusive online environments for everyone.

When one scam changes everything

Let me introduce you to Liam.

Liam is a 72-year-old grandfather. One afternoon, he received a phone call from someone who claimed to be from his bank. The caller sounded professional and reassuring. They knew Liam’s name and enough personal details to earn his trust. When they told him his account was at risk, Liam followed their instructions and transferred his savings.

Only later did he discover it was a scam.

The financial loss was devastating, but the emotional impact was even worse. Liam felt ashamed, anxious, and afraid. Bills began to pile up. He stopped using online services altogether and avoided technology whenever possible. Over time, this led to isolation and a loss of independence.

Liam’s experience is not unusual. In our work on cyber safety with older adults, we spoke to 427 people aged over 65. Many shared similar fears and experiences:

• 85% described feeling fear or anxiety about going online
• 70% said they did not feel confident using the internet
• 58% did not know where to turn for help
• 36% said they had no support at all

These figures show that cyber harm is not just a technical issue. It is a human one.

 

 Vulnerability is not about age

While older adults are often described as “vulnerable online,” age alone does not determine risk. Instead, vulnerability is more strongly associated with being a digital newcomer, someone learning to use technology for the first time, using outdated devices or software, lacking adequate support, or being more exposed to risks such as malware.

Digital newcomers can be found across all age groups. They may include:

• People with limited literacy or English as a second language
• Adults with intellectual disabilities
• People with visual or cognitive impairments
• Migrants navigating unfamiliar digital systems
• Survivors of domestic abuse who need privacy and safety online

In older age groups, these challenges often overlap. A person might be learning new technology while also dealing with declining vision, memory difficulties, or a lack of trusted support. But similar challenges affect younger people too, especially those excluded from digital education or living in unstable situations. This shows why cyber safety must move beyond one-size-fits-all solutions. We need approaches that recognise different starting points, abilities, and life experiences.

 

Building digital strength through community support

To address this challenge, our work focuses on building a cyber-safe society where everyone feels secure online, regardless of age, background, or ability. Rather than expecting individuals to manage complex risks alone, we focus on strengthening community-based support systems.

One key element is a train-the-trainer model, which creates trusted cyber safety champions within local communities. These champions are not cybersecurity experts.  They are people who already have trust-based relationships with others, such as librarians, educators, carers, and youth workers.

Libraries are a strong example. Librarians are often the first people community members turn to for help with technology. In Donegal in the Northwest of Ireland, we trained 26 librarians across 13 libraries, giving them the confidence to provide basic, trusted cyber safety advice. Across Ireland, 33 librarians in 20 libraries have now completed a free cyber safety e-learning course. As one librarian shared, “I’m so inspired by what I’ve learned that I plan to organise cyber safety talks in my area.”

Young people also play a crucial role. Many already support parents, grandparents, or neighbours with digital tasks. Through tailored training, they can learn how to help others safely, while also strengthening their own cyber awareness. We are currently working with young people and supporting organisations across Ireland to co-create an e-learning course that recognises young people not just as learners, but as digital safety supporters in their communities. This approach shifts cyber safety from being an individual burden to a shared responsibility.

  

Practical tools that meet people where they are

Training alone is not enough. Digital newcomers consistently tell us they want simple, practical resources they can trust. Many prefer tangible materials they can keep at home, rather than complex websites or technical manuals.

In response, we co-created a range of accessible cyber safety resources (see image below) which are now available on our website www.cybersafety.ie, including:

• Step-by-step guides written in plain language
• “What to do next” documents for people affected by cybercrime
• A card game that turns cyber safety into an interactive learning activity
• An e-learning course for people who teach digital skills

These resources are now used by age-friendly networks, adult literacy services, education and training boards, and community groups. Hundreds of printed booklets have been requested, and 165 people have enrolled in the e-learning course to better assist others (numbers correct as of December 2025).

For adults with intellectual disabilities, we worked closely with participants and supporters to create easy-read materials, comic strips, infographics, and short videos where people can see themselves represented. Feedback is gathered continuously, and resources are adapted as needs evolve. This co-creation process ensures that tools are not just accessible, but meaningful and usable in real life.

 

A shared challenge that needs a shared response

Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated. Digital services are increasingly complex, with artificial intelligence playing a growing role. At the same time, societies across Europe are moving towards digital-first systems, often faster than people can adapt. Without adequate support, many individuals will retreat from online banking, shopping, public services, and even healthcare. This deepens isolation and increases inequality. Currently, no single organisation fully addresses this gap. Law enforcement often becomes involved only after harm has occurred. National cybersecurity bodies may lack the capacity to provide individual-level support. Many existing programmes focus on young people, leaving other populations behind. Digital strength, therefore, must be built before harm happens, through prevention, education, and trusted support networks.

 

Building a safer digital future 

Cyber safety is not just about avoiding scams or protecting devices. It is about confidence, dignity, and inclusion in a digital society. When people feel supported, they are more likely to stay engaged, ask questions, and recover after something goes wrong. Liam’s story shows what happens when support is missing, but also what is possible when it exists. With access to trusted guidance, local support, and clear resources, people like Liam can rebuild confidence and regain independence online.

As cyber risks continue to evolve, so must our responses. By investing in community-based training, accessible resources, and inclusive design, we can build digital strength across society. Not just for some, but for everyone.