Personalized AI-Based Cybersecurity Training for Older Adults

Abstract

This study explored the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance cybersecurity awareness among Brazilian senior citizens through personalized training programs. By integrating advanced AI technologies with gamification and adaptive learning, the research examined how modern technological developments can protect vulnerable elderly populations from cyber threats. The paper traced the evolution of cybersecurity and its increasing complexity, with a particular focus on social engineering tactics that exploit the unique vulnerabilities of older adults, such as cognitive decline, social isolation, and limited technological literacy. The study highlighted how these factors make elderly individuals particularly susceptible to scams and digital deception. The research utilized the CAIN questionnaire to assess cybersecurity knowledge and draws on key studies to demonstrate how gamification and AI-driven personalized learning can significantly improve user engagement, knowledge retention, and defensive practices. Ethical considerations, including adherence to Brazil’s LGPD (General Data Protection Law), are addressed to ensure compliance with privacy and data protection standards. The study ultimately sought to answer the question: Can AI enhance cybersecurity awareness among elderly Brazilians through tailored training programs? Findings show that adaptive AI systems not only boost knowledge retention but also provide a scalable, cost-effective solution to reducing the risk of social engineering attacks, offering a promising approach to cybersecurity education for at-risk populations.