In the digital age, your grandma’s cookie recipe isn’t the only thing at risk of being stolen. As cybercrime targeting seniors skyrockets, Dallas-based AT&T is mobilizing to arm older adults with the tools they need to stay safe online.

The stakes are high. In 2023, the FBI reported losses exceeding $12.5 billion from internet crimes, with a staggering $3.4 billion from people over 60. It’s this alarming statistic that’s driving AT&T to take action in Dallas this Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

“In today’s world, technology is everywhere,” said Charlene Lake, AT&T’s chief sustainability officer, in a statement to Dallas Innovates. “Whether you’re scheduling a health check-up, managing your money, booking your next adventure, working, studying, or just keeping in touch with family and friends, chances are you’re doing it online.

“That’s why being tech-savvy is important for everyone.”

Last week, the company transformed the Hilton Anatole’s Trinity Exhibit Hall in Dallas into a hub of activity. Over 800 AT&T employees assembled approximately 2,500 technology “kits” for local nonprofits, with a focus on digital safety for seniors.

AT&T employees gather for a photo during the volunteer event to create tech safety kits for seniors and nonprofits. [Photo: [AT&T]

The kits, distributed in collaboration with Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) by AARP, contained more than just gadgets. While they included fun items like crossword puzzles, flashlights, and styluses, the real value lay in the educational materials.

Each kit featured a packet of information on getting started online, the latest scams to watch out for, tips for staying safe, and a password book to help manage different online accounts securely.

AT&T employees assemble tech safety kits for seniors as part of the company’s initiative with AARP to combat cyber scams targeting older adults. [Photo: AT&T]

AT&T said its efforts extend beyond this one-time event. Since 2021, the company has staked $5 billion to bridge the digital divide, with a particular focus on older communities, which are often most vulnerable to cyber risks.

While the kits were distributed to pre-selected individuals affiliated with AARP, AT&T has made similar resources widely available online. The company’s Screen Ready website offers a wealth of information, including a Digital Safety section to keep up with the latest scams through an online learning portal.

There’s also a Digital Literacy section that covers “technology basics” such as navigating websites, performing basic searches, and using email and video conferencing.

Lake emphasized the importance of these initiatives. “The digital divide is stark among older communities, making them vulnerable to cyber risks,” she said. “Enhancing digital literacy for older adults is crucial for their safety and security online.”

Lake was on hand for the company’s nonprofit initiative, in collaboration with OATS  by AARP, which aims to empower older adults to navigate the internet with confidence.

Seniors aren’t the only beneficiaries of the digital initiative, according to AT&T. Local nonprofits, including the Boys & Girls Club of Dallas & Tarrant Counties, The Stewpot, The Wilkinson Center, and For Oak Cliff, also received kits, spreading the net of cyber safety across generations.

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