Our website is using cookies to deliver best possible experience to you. By using it you agree to cookies policy.
Cybercriminals are using increasingly sophisticated scams, but older people’s digital awareness and resilience are also growing. Dr Agnieszka Jankowska, a member of the Foundation’s Board, spoke on TVP3 Warszawa about digital education for older people, online safety and the initiatives carried out by the Digital Poland Foundation.
Last weekend, Dr Agnieszka Jankowska appeared as a guest on the TVP3 Warszawa programme, where she spoke about the initiatives run by the Digital Poland Foundation to develop digital skills amongst older people.
The discussion covered, amongst other things, the 8th edition of the Digital Festival, the ‘Modern Senior’ programme in Warsaw – run in collaboration with the IT Office of the City of Warsaw – the 7th edition of the free guide ‘Modern Senior’, as well as the most common digital threats faced by older people today.
More and more threats, but also growing awareness
During the programme, Dr Agnieszka Jankowska pointed out that cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting social engineering and the emotions of their victims. Popular methods include fake investment opportunities, impersonating public institutions, messages concerning parcels, bills or healthcare services, as well as phishing campaigns using email, text messages and instant messaging apps.
As she emphasised, situations in which the recipient receives a message demanding immediate action are particularly dangerous. Time pressure is one of the most commonly used mechanisms of manipulation. In such cases, it is worth pausing for a moment, verifying the information and consulting with loved ones.
At the same time, advances in artificial intelligence mean that fake messages, websites and attempts at fraud are becoming increasingly convincing. That is why digital literacy remains one of the most important tools for building online safety.
Modern Senior in Warsaw
We are delighted that more and more senior citizens are not only recognising the risks online but are also actively taking advantage of the opportunities offered by digital technologies. From dealing with official matters online, through using healthcare services, to participating in the life of the local community.
This is precisely what the ‘Modern Senior in Warsaw’ programme is designed to achieve. In this year’s edition, we are running as many as 14 free workshops across 7 districts of Warsaw – twice as many as before. Interest in the training sessions is at a record high, and the number of applications shows just how great the demand is for practical knowledge on the safe use of the internet and e-services.
We estimate that around 600 older people will be trained during this edition of the programme.
Free guide for older people
Those who are unable to book a place on the workshops can make use of the free guide ‘The Modern Senior’. This is the seventh edition of the publication, which explains step by step how to use digital services safely, protect your data and avoid the most common online scams.
The guide can be downloaded free of charge from the Digital Festival website.
Thank you for the invitation
We would like to thank TVP3 Warsaw for the opportunity to discuss digital education, cyber security and building digital resilience amongst seniors. We believe that, thanks to the joint efforts of public institutions, social organisations and business partners, more and more older people will be able to safely and confidently make the most of the opportunities offered by the digital world.
We would also like to thank the strategic partners of Digital Festival 2026: Ringier Axel Springer Polska, TVN Warner Bros. Discovery and EY, who support initiatives aimed at developing the digital skills of Poles.