An army veteran's life was turned upside down after a ransomware attack left him robbed of his digital life and independence. His grandson launched a groundbreaking cybersecurity service for seniors to protect them from similar attacks.
An army veteran was robbed out of thousands of pounds after falling victim to a ransomware attack perpetrated by online scammers. Ian Gardner, a retired mechanical engineer from Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, suffered a devastating loss that not only drained his finances but also chipped away at his independence. His computer, a vital tool for writing his memoirs, connecting with family on Skype, and storing decades of cherished photographs, was compromised.
The vile scammers wiped his files, leaving him anxious, disconnected, and robbed of his ability to engage with the digital world that had become so integral to his life. Ian, who served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in Malaya during the 1960s and later worked as an engineer at Glasgow Central Station, had poured his heart into his memoirs, documenting his life experiences from his military service to his later years. But the attack shattered his digital world, leaving him with only the solace of playing solitaire in his final years. He passed away in 2017, aged 78.His grandson, Jordan Reid, 32, revealed the heartbreaking impact of the attack: 'The computer was a huge part of his life until scammers wiped everything. After the incident, he only really used the computer to play solitaire. The attack wasn’t simply about losing data — he lost his connection to so many things, which was heartbreaking. He’d been such a confident, capable man, but the scammers really put a dent in that. When I found out, I kept thinking, ‘How many other families are dealing with the same thing?’ 'Ian didn’t tell anyone until his dying days, but we knew something had changed. It’s so common in this age group – they’re embarrassed, and they don’t want to be seen as victims.' Jordan's determination to protect others from the same ordeal led him to co-found SENGUARD, a cybersecurity subscription service tailored specifically for people aged 50 and over. SENGUARD, co-founded with cybersecurity expert Grant McAdam, aims to equip older adults with the tools and knowledge to navigate the digital world safely. The service features scam surveillance, account security, and privacy protection, all presented in a user-friendly manner. Recognizing the diverse needs of its target audience, SENGUARD incorporates features like voice-guided navigation for visually impaired users and clear, jargon-free instructions. The Glasgow-based start-up has already made waves in the industry, securing £75,000 from the prestigious Scottish EDGE competition. This funding will support the expansion of pilot programs to cities across the UK, including London, Newcastle, and Dundee, allowing SENGUARD to refine its product through real-world testing. Jordan hopes that SENGUARD will empower older adults and provide families with peace of mind. He emphasizes the importance of open communication about online safety, encouraging people to check in with their loved ones and offer support. He believes that 'starting the conversation' is crucial in combating the silence that scammers exploit. His motivation stems from his grandfather's experience, wanting to ensure that no one else suffers the same devastating consequences. For Jordan, every success story represents a step closer to honoring his grandfather's memory and creating a safer online environment for all
Seniors Cyber Security Crime RANSOMWARE CYBERSECURITY SENIOR CITIZENS ONLINE FRAUD GRANDSON TECH SAVVY SCAM SURVEILLANCE ACCOUNT SECURITY
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