Adelante Offers Free Computer Security Training to Seniors

New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas and Comcast are working on a statewide initiative to protect seniors by training them on computer safety and security. The initiative includes classes on digital safety and security run by Adelante at a senior center in Doña Ana County. The classes are free for seniors to attend, transportation is available, and all attendees have a chance of receiving a free laptop. Comcast funded Adelante Development Center to administer the classes. Adelante is grateful to have the resources and support to carry out this service.

As American seniors are embracing technology, there is a growing need for guidance while navigating social media, online accounts, and websites. According to a 2016 Pew Research Center report, “digitally ready” Americans – meaning those who are confident about their digital skills and abilities to find trustworthy online information – are disproportionately under the age of 65. Likewise, older Americans described themselves as “digitally unprepared” more than other age groups. Having accessible digital safety and security trainings for seniors is of the utmost importance for New Mexico to further prevent needless losses and frustration.

Meta Hirschl, Vice President of Information Systems at Adelante, sees the value of training seniors on cybersecurity. “Adelante is able to work with people who are very much victims of phishing and scams. We not only have the technical capability, we are able to offer this training in Doña Ana County because we’re already working there in the senior centers.” Adelante is a nonprofit that supports people with disabilities, seniors, and people with disadvantages across New Mexico. The organization runs the senior meal and transportation services for six senior centers in the Las Cruces metro area.

The free training for seniors on computers and cyber security trainings are being held once a month on Wednesday afternoons at Mesilla Community Center, 2251 Calle de Santiago in Mesilla, NM, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Upcoming trainings will be on the following dates:

• September 26, 2018
• October 10, 2018
• November 28, 2018

For more information or to reserve a spot, seniors should call (505) 445-5332.