In the digital age, where convenience and speed often take precedence over caution, it's no surprise that cybercriminals find increasingly cunning ways to trick us into doing their dirty work.

According to a recent study by Gen, the cybersecurity powerhouse behind several apps, the latest trend in online fraud, known as 'Scam Yourself' attacks, has seen a staggering 600 per cent increase.


This alarming rise in self-inflicted cybercrime is a wake-up call for all of us, especially for those over 60 who may not be as tech-savvy as younger generations.

So, what exactly is a 'Scam Yourself' attack? It's a form of social engineering where scammers manipulate individuals into downloading malware onto their own devices.


They trick users into believing they're performing a necessary action, such as updating software or fixing a computer issue, when, in reality, they're installing harmful programs that can steal personal information, corrupt files, or even lock them out of their systems.

You might see a popup while browsing, urging you to update your software.

Be wary of these notifications, especially if they don't come from your browser or operating system's official settings menu.


Always verify the update's authenticity and the website's URL before proceeding.

Searching for a quick fix to a computer problem online can also lead you to seemingly helpful websites.

These sites may instruct you to enter specific commands into your computer that will supposedly solve your issue but instead grant attackers access to your system.

There are also misleading tutorials, online forums, and video platforms like YouTube that are rife with tutorials for tech fixes.

However, scammers are creating fake guides that instruct users to disable security software and execute dangerous commands, resulting in malware being installed on your device.

Scammers are now mimicking those 'I'm not a robot' checks, known as captchas.

They may look legitimate, but following the instructions can lead to downloading malware. Norton reports that over 2 million people have been targeted by this scam in the past quarter alone.

The allure of these scams lies in their simplicity and the trust we place in the digital processes we use every day.

Cybercriminals exploit our desire for quick solutions and our habit of accepting updates without question.

To protect yourself from these insidious attacks, it's crucial to slow down and scrutinise every unusual request or instruction your device presents you with.


If something seems off, it probably is. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

To stay safe online, always download updates directly from official sources and be cautious of websites or tutorials that suggest disabling antivirus software or entering unfamiliar commands.

Verify the legitimacy of URLs before following any online instructions, and ensure you use reputable, up-to-date antivirus software to guard against threats.

Additionally, stay informed about the latest scams by subscribing to cybersecurity newsletters from trusted sources.
How can older adults spot the warning signs of a 'Scam Yourself' attack? What are the best ways to check if online tutorials and update requests are legitimate? Let us know in the comments below.