Older generation resort to bribing younger family members for tech support

The majority of over 55s (61%) admit to requiring help with at least one tech task, such as securing a router, installing cybersecurity protection or combatting computer viruses. In fact, less than half (49%) of over 55s say they are confident all their devices have up-to-date, adequate security protection. As a result they are turning to younger family members with regular cries of ‘Can you just… fix the internet?’, ‘… show me how to upload to the cloud?’ or ‘… secure my online banking app?’.

The research has revealed that half of tech-savvy millennials (55%) feel duty-bound to provide on-demand tech support to older relatives, but a quarter (25%) of tech-savvy millennials avoid family members they think will ask for tech support. The survey by Kaspersky Lab, a leading global cybersecurity company, found that four-in-ten (40%) of over 55s describe technology as ‘empowering’ or helping them ‘feel liberated, but at the same time, just under half (46%) admit they are not knowledgeable about tech.

Aston spoke to David Emm, cyber security expert to discuss the research in further detail and also gave some advice on cyber security.