Senior Cyber Safety Briefing – September 10, 2025

 

🚨ALERT - Google patches two actively exploited Android zero‑days in its September update 

👉Why it matters - Hackers are already exploiting these flaws to break into phones, especially those used for banking, shopping, or health apps. Seniors relying on Android devices are at higher risk.
📣Call to Action - Go to Settings > System Update and install the latest patch (look for “2025‑09‑01” or “2025‑09‑05” level).

🧠MUST-READ - Microsoft Patch Tuesday fixes 86 Windows security flaws 
👉Why it matters - Several of these bugs are marked “exploitation more likely,” meaning crooks could soon use them to steal data or lock up systems.
📣Call to Action - Restart your PC and make sure Windows Update runs today.

🔥PRIVACY & BIG TECH - FTC expands investigation into voice‑cloning scams targeting seniors 
👉Why it matters - Fraudsters use AI to mimic loved ones’ voices, tricking seniors into sending emergency cash. The FTC is considering new rules to crack down on this fast‑growing scam.
📣Call to Action - Always verify urgent requests with a call‑back to a known number before sending money.

📈ECONOMY & SECURITY - Major U.S. insurer Anthem discloses breach affecting millions of policyholders 
👉Why it matters - Names, Social Security numbers, and health data are prime targets for identity theft and Medicare fraud.
📣Call to Action - If you’re an Anthem member, monitor your accounts closely and freeze your credit if you notice suspicious activity.

💡OPPORTUNITY - AI tool “Shield Seniors” gains national attention for scam prevention 
👉Why it matters - Developed by a 17‑year‑old, this platform helps seniors detect and avoid online scams using real‑time alerts.
📣Call to Action - Ask your senior center or library if they’ll host a demo of tools like Shield Seniors.

✅Quick Safety Tip of the Day
Never scan a QR code from an email or text you weren’t expecting—it could send you to a fake login page.

(AI was used to create this article.)

🙋Closing Note
"Stay safe, stay secure, stay curious, and remember my friends—you’re never too old to outsmart a scammer👋"
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