As technology continues to evolve, the threat of cyberattacks is becoming increasingly prevalent. Older adults are particularly susceptible due to limited awareness and education on cybersecurity. These attacks can result in significant emotional distress and financial loss. The most common forms of cybercrime include phishing, identity theft and fraud. 

Common Cyber Threats Facing Seniors 

With the increasing use of AI technologies and the growing online presence of seniors, they are now facing a rising number of sophisticated cyberattacks. Some common cyber threats include:  

• Social engineering (phishing, impersonation, urgent requests) 
• Ransomware and cyber extortion 
• Smart device vulnerabilities (phones, home systems) 
• Financial fraud and identity theft 
• Cyberbullying and online harassment

Cybercriminals use manipulation to deceive individuals into sharing personal or financial information with them. Without proper education on these attempts, seniors are more likely to divulge information without understanding the consequences.  

A common scenario involves a receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be from their bank’s fraud department. The caller explains that “unusual activity” has been detected on the account. To make the situation feel urgent, the scammer warns that if the issue isn’t resolved immediately, the account may be frozen. Because the request is believed to be time‑sensitive, the senior may feel pressured to comply with the scammer. Once the information is obtained, the scammer can access accounts, transfer money or steal the victim’s identity. 

Criminals are also leveraging AI technology to create realistic impersonations of people via voice calls, emails and messages. These messages are designed to place vulnerable individuals under pressure to coerce them into making large financial decisions. These can include wiring money or disclosing account details.  

Another common threat seniors may encounter is ransomware. In these attacks, cybercriminals infiltrate a victim’s device and encrypt personal or financial data, effectively locking the user out. The attackers then demand payment in exchange for restoring access to the compromised information. 

Some common signs to look for include messages from unknown senders, requests for personal information and suspicious links. Legitimate institutions rarely ask for personal or financial details via email or text, and links that appear unusual or contain misspellings are often an early warning sign of a potential scam. 

Best Practices

• Complex and unique passwords 
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for key accounts 
• Keeping devices and software updated 
• Recognizing and avoiding phishing attempts 
• Limiting public information on social media
• Monitoring financial activity and setting up alerts
• Educating family members and caregivers

What to Do in the Event of a Scam 

 Immediate Steps 

• Disconnect from the scammer 
• Change your passwords 
• Enable MFA  
• Contact your bank/card issuer

Reporting

Be sure to report your incident to the following: 

• Your bank or financial institution  
• Relevant authorities 
• Affected platforms

Recovery

• Complete malware checks  
• Check backups 
• Notify trusted contacts 

Personal Cyber Insurance

Cyber threats are everywhere and recovering from an attack can be costly. Personal cyber insurance covers losses from identity theft, data breaches, cyberattacks and more. You can include it with your homeowners or renters’ policy or purchase it alone. It covers a range of incidents, including the following:

• Cyberattack: Coverage for the removal of viruses and reprogramming of devices such as computers, smartphones and smart home systems 
• Cyberbullying: Assistance with expenses related to online harassment, including legal fees, temporary relocation and lost wages 
• Data breach: Coverage for services needed if personal data entrusted to you is lost, stolen or published 
• Cyber extortion: Protection against ransomware attacks, including reimbursement for ransom payments and assistance to regain access to your data 
• Online fraud: Financial protection against identity theft, unauthorized banking transactions and other types of online fraud

Most policies do not typically cover: 

• Losses from intentional acts or fraud
• Pre-existing incidents
• Unapproved software
• Third-party vendor losses
• Regulatory fines
• Patent, software and copyright infringement
• Employment-related claims 

How Brown & Brown Can Help

Brown & Brown’s Personal Insurance team goes beyond raising awareness; we help seniors and their families find practical cyber solutions to stay safe online. From identifying vulnerabilities to recommending trusted tools and resources, our goal is to empower older adults with the knowledge and support they need to protect their personal information. Together, we can help reduce risk and build confidence in navigating the digital world.

Property & Casualty Team