Grandkids urged to help teach seniors their cyber ABCs

The Australian Federal Police has shared cyber security tips, encouraging the younger generation to help their "less digitally savvy" grandparents.

As part of Cyber Awareness Month, the AFP want all Australians and especially seniors to learn their "ABCs".

They are: avoid clicking on links on unsolicited emails or texts, block calls from suspected scammers and call your bank immediately over suspicious transactions.

And the AFP believes grandkids may be the best to help pass on the information to the older generation.

"We are asking Australians to have conversations with grandparents or parents about simple things they can do to protect themselves," AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Cyber Command Paula Hudson said.

"Grandchildren - whether they are 20 or 40 years old - can be one of the greatest lines of defence for older generations when it comes to the online world.

"One example could be showing seniors how to block a scam call on an iPhone."

The AFP will also share with National Seniors Australia new 90-second online videos that explain how to stay ahead of would-be scammers.

"It would be great if grandkids could watch the videos with their nan and pop, nonno or nonna, or baba or deda," Ms Hudson said.

"It also gives an opportunity for younger generations to brush up on their knowledge."

Ms Hudson hoped the tips and videos would help empower all generations after finding some older cybercrime victims had felt embarrassed, blamed themselves and didn't tell anyone.

"Cyber criminals do not discriminate by age," she said.

Australian Associated Press