27 July 2021

NTT and Lions Befrienders launch their first-ever education initiative for cybercrimes against seniors

Program to impact over 7600 at-risk seniors in Singapore with over 1500 volunteers

Singapore – 27 July 2021 – NTT Ltd., a world-leading global technology services provider has announced its collaboration with Lions Befrienders (LB) to educate senior citizens on adopting safe cybersecurity practices. The security division of NTT in Singapore is forming a team of volunteers to contribute to the online safety of seniors in Singapore.  In its first wave, the team aims to educate over 7600 seniors currently associated with LB about cybersecurity, fraud and targeted scams.

The top ten types of scams that constituted 68.1%* of the total scams in 2020, are e-commerce scams, social media impersonation scams, loan scams and banking related phishing scams. These also saw a sharp rise of 78.5%** when compared to 2019, and the trend of increased cyberattacks continues in our new normal lifestyle. While good cyber hygiene practices are essential for everyone, seniors are more likely to be late adopters of technology and may need more help when it comes to adopting safe cybersecurity practices. The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) along with the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has recently launched the SG Cyber Safe Seniors program (along with ‘Better Cyber Safe Than Sorry’ campaign), and NTT’s collaboration with LB is an effort to contribute to this cause.

As part of the initiative, the consulting team from NTT’s security division will offer regular virtual awareness webinars and onsite classroom methodology for LB volunteers and selected groups of LB seniors. These will cover advice about the current cyber threat landscape, provide best practices for safe online security and explain cybersecurity do's and don’ts for seniors. With the ‘train the trainer’ approach, the initiative hopes to achieve higher levels of cybersecurity awareness amongst seniors with help from LB volunteers.

Commenting on the need of this initiative, Ashish Thapar, VP Consulting from NTT’s security division says, “Cyber threats and scams continue to become more sophisticated, and while nine in 10 seniors use smartphones, some still find it challenging to go digital safely. They are uncertain about the necessary precautions to take while using the internet, leaving them vulnerable to online scams and phishing attempts by cyber criminals. In the first half of 2020 alone, victims in Singapore lost SGD 82 million, and seniors are the most vulnerable set among them.

We aim to offer our expertise in this area through not just training and education, but also through advisory support on an ongoing basis so that the seniors can truly enjoy digital technology to stay in touch with friends and family, stay informed and enjoy entertainment without being vulnerable to scams and cyber-attacks.”

“Singapore is increasing its efforts to drive awareness and adoption of cybersecurity practices through various channels and campaigns. Rapid digitalization is disrupting business operations, altering industry structures and redefining rules globally. Therefore, it is important for seniors in a ‘Smart Nation’, such as Singapore, to be able to adapt and embrace digitalization. There is a clear need to learn how to use technology with confidence and safety.  Hence, this initiative between NTT in Singapore and Lions Befrienders is timely”, attests Neville Burdan, Senior Director from NTT’s security division.

Anthony Tay, Chairman, Lions Befrienders says, “LB has 26 years of experience in befriending and caring for seniors to help them to age in a place in the community. As the world around us changes, we need to factor new ways of caring for their needs and safety. This is the first time that we are starting such an initiative in Singapore and we are very happy to have partnered with NTT. Seniors are prime fraud targets because older people tend to be trusting and polite to others while being new to technology. With NTT’s expertise imparting the right knowledge to them and to all the volunteers, we want to help our seniors go online confidently. Our hope is that this initiative will catalyze greater societal awareness and action around cybersecurity among at-risk seniors and other fellow Singaporeans.”

In addition to the outlined program, NTT’s security division will also offer a support program to selected LB volunteers, where the volunteers will have access to NTT’s cybersecurity experts for any help required in handling complex issues which may not already have been covered during the cybersecurity awareness sessions.

*Source: www.police.gov.sg

**Source: Police report

-ENDS-

About NTT Ltd.

NTT Ltd. is a leading global technology services company. Working with organizations around the world, we achieve business outcomes through intelligent technology solutions. For us, intelligent means data driven, connected, digital and secure. Our global assets and integrated ICT stack capabilities provide unique offerings in cloud-enabling networking, hybrid cloud, data centers, digital transformation, client experience, workplace and cybersecurity. As a global ICT provider, we employ more than 40,000 people in a diverse and dynamic workplace that spans 57 countries, trading in 73 countries and delivering services in over 200 countries and regions. Together we enable the connected future.

Visit us at hello.global.ntt

Lions Befrienders (LB) – Connecting Seniors, Enriching Lives

Established in 1995, LB has more than 25 years of experience in befriending and caring for seniors in order for them to age in place in the community. Over the years, LB strives to address the varied needs of more than 86,000 seniors by adopting a senior-centric approach in its eldercare services. Leveraging on the support of some 1,000 regular volunteers, we actively engage more than 6,000 at-risk seniors via a spectrum of integrated eldercare service from preventive to intervention through comprehensive programmes, including social, emotional, mental and physical, to improve their quality of life.

Amid the challenges in the eldercare landscape, LB undertakes constant review and adjustment to its programmes and services. Under our Community Outreach arm, we currently operate 5 Active Aging Centres, 5 Senior Activity Centres, 3 Cluster Support, 2 Senior Group Homes and Home Personal Care services. Our Befriending arm extends island-wide befriending services to socially isolated seniors. For its exemplary disclosure and corporate governance practices, LB was conferred the Charity Transparency Award by the Charity Council in 2016 and 2017.

For more information, visit www.lionsbefrienders.org.sg.

Media enquiries
Priyanka Rohilla, NTT Ltd.
T: +91 9769066027
E: Priyanka.rohilla@global.ntt