A Study of Cyber Crimes and Cyber Abuse Against Elderly Individuals in Select Anglophonic Countries and Territories
Level of Education of Students Involved
Graduate
Faculty Sponsor
Nicholas Rosasco
College
College of Arts & Sciences (CAS)
Discipline(s)
Cyber Security
ORCID Identifier(s)
0000-0003-3367-3116
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Symposium Date
Spring 4-30-2026
Abstract
Between 2021 - 2026, cyber crimes committed against elderly people in anglophonic areas of the world - i.e., the United States and Europe, along with select territories - have surged, particularly in areas stricken by lack of resources or familial support. The author finds that while the subject of elder abuse, in general, is well - researched and documented, the specific elements of cyber abuse and associated crimes toward the elderly, especially in the United States, are not documented as widely (nor particularly so, in Europe). While geographically centric privacy laws do not directly prove to be formidable hurdles in gathering data (particularly primary sources outside of academic material), stigmata associated with the subject matter, itself, provide bases behind some research gaps encountered. In conducting this analysis, the author wishes, in part, to determine why the elderly are seen as perfect victims for cyber crime. Of equal importance, the author also seeks to identify risk factors, including those other than age, that cause the elderly to be more susceptible to cyber crime; previous research notes technological illiteracy, lack of proximity to contemporary technological resources, and lack of support from important people in a person’s life, as probable sources thereof. In doing so, the author hopes to ascertain realistic means by which to minimise those factors.
Recommended Citation
Deer, Sarah E., "A Study of Cyber Crimes and Cyber Abuse Against Elderly Individuals in Select Anglophonic Countries and Territories" (2026). Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE). 1567.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/cus/1567
PDF of presentation given for SORCE 2026
Biographical Information about Author(s)
Sarah E. Deer is in her final semester of study for a Master of Science degree in cyber security, at Valparaiso University. She is a 2019 alumna of Valparaiso University, and currently works at Valparaiso University's Christopher Center for Library and Information Resources. Her research interests stem from a desire to uncover the true prevalence of her chosen topic, motivated by previous coursework and personal experience.