Tag Archives: Boomer

AVG

Grandparents share great advice for a Safer Internet

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Technology has made it easier than ever before for extended families to connect with loved ones.

According to our most recent AVG Digital Diaries study among Boomers and Seniors, half of those surveyed who have grandchildren feel technology makes it easier to communicate with them.

They are utilizing email (50%), texting (40%), and video conferencing tools like Skype (35%) –to communicate over all distances.

As we celebrate Safer Internet Day around the globe, it is also encouraging to see that the grandparents we surveyed are also taking an active role creating a safer Internet for their grandchildren.

In our survey, we clearly noted grandparents are weighing in and contributing to safer Internet habits for young family members.

The research shows that one in two grandparents are vocal in encouraging their grandchildren to:

  • Not share too much information online
  • Avoid visiting dangerous sites
  • Talk to an adult if anything upsetting happens online.

Grandparent have recognized that today’s children and grandchildren face a vastly more connected world than the one they knew growing up and this is reflected in the advice that they told us they were sharing.

Among the prominent advice being administered by grandparents:

  • Remember that everything you post online has the capacity remain there forever (44%).
  • Be kind when posting comments or talking to people online (31%) – because what is said online has consequences.
  • But also, never mind what people say online (19%). Or as Taylor Swift might say: Shake it off. :)

 

Importantly, grandparents also advised for their grandchildren not to spend too much time online (44%). As easy as technology makes staying in touch — there is no substitute for real life.

All the more reason for families, and all of us really, to consider factoring in some regular—and positive—digital time-out. What better place to start than tonight at the dinner table?

Here’s to a better and safer Internet for our children, grandchildren, and all of us –today and everyday.

AVG

Planning Your Digital Legacy

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Over the last few years, as I have seen family and friends lose loved ones, I am constantly reminded of the importance of our digital legacy.

Just this past year, a friend and former colleague passed away. I, like so many, was shocked and saddened. He was healthy and vibrant until the day he died of a heart attack while out cycling.

I first learned of his death online – where family and friends announced his passing on a Facebook page. What soon followed was a vast outpouring of friends gathering to remember, mourn and celebrate him, and to console his family and each other.

That Facebook page remains to this day, months later, with occasional new posts that continue in remembrance and celebration of his life.

I don’t know if my friend left a directive about his digital assets, but I do think he would be pleased by the tributes and what has become a living online memorial.

While that approach was absolutely the right one for him as a tech industry figure, it may not be for everyone. We don’t always know what our loved ones would want if and when the time comes. Or we might not know how to secure and remove their assets per their wishes.

“Boomers will be one of the first to leave behind a vast and varied digital footprint”.

Our generation (the Boomers) will be one of the first to leave behind a vast and varied digital footprint – including social media accounts, emails, tweets, images, videos and more. But most of us have yet to consider just what it is we are leaving behind, and what we want others to do with it?

To me, it is like any form of estate planning. It’s something we know we should do, but most of us put off– unless forced to deal with it. Except that it’s not exactly the same, because to date there are few of us who have even thought about our digital legacy, let alone planned for it.

In new research we at AVG have just conducted with those 50-plus (aka Boomers and Seniors), 83% of nearly 5,000 people we polled in nine different countries, have yet to consider their digital legacy.

Among our research findings:

  • Even the among the respondents who were familiar with the concept of digital legacy (12%), had never thought about it
  • Only 3% could say they actually have taken steps to prepare their family ahead of time
  • Yet, when the concept was explained to all, 1 in 4 admitted concerns about having a digital legacy.

 

This corroborates findings of other earlier independent surveys, which I wrote about in my column first exploring this topic last spring.

Clearly, further education is needed to help people make plans for their online lives – after they are no longer with us.

Even when all relevant paperwork is in place and documented, the task of managing a digital estate of a deceased relative can be a difficult and emotional task.

Here are three suggestions I have on digital legacy planning:

  • Make a will and add a digital codicil, which is a simple document that amends your will, to include your digital assets.
  • Make a list of your digital assets, passcodes and avatars, if you have them.
  • Share information and help educate your family and friends about the need for digital estate planning.

 

Because AVG is committed to helping people deal with the security and privacy of data, devices and people, this is a topic where we feel we can contribute.

We have developed an eBook Dealing with Digital Death that offers a starting point for tackling the issue.

 

 

It offers considerations, recommendations, resources and guidance – from how to tackle the sensitive issues around what to do with social media profiles and blogs to creating memorials and practical information on digital estate planning and how to delete retail accounts. I hope you’ll find it useful.

AVG

Thoughts from CES: The physical world is becoming digital

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As a long-time attendee of CES, I tend to look forward to it with both excitement and trepidation. As it gets bigger each year, it steadily becomes busier and more difficult to physically get around and take it all in.

This year, I walked away from the show thinking we finally have reached a point where smart digital tech doesn’t just sit within a specific market or category any more. Instead, it’s finally become ubiquitous and is now being embedded throughout our everyday lives.  It was evident at the show that we are truly in the “smart” and “Internet of Things” era.

IoT

Image courtesy of GigaOm

 

Shawn DuBravac, chief economist for the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), identified this phenomenon as the ‘digitization of physical space”, “permeation of logic” and the “Internet of Me”.

Regardless of what you call it, CES 2015 showed me that innovation in connected technology is now everywhere – from baby pacifiers to dog bowls, home appliances to, of course, the self-driving car.

As always, we must remember that  as fascinating as they are, many of the products at CES are in the prototype phase –and many will never reach the wider market. But nonetheless, it’s always interesting to observe and try to gauge what we may have in store a few years down the line.

This year I was fortunate enough to also be exhibiting at CES as part of the Lifelong Tech and Family Tech Summits. AVG exhibited many of our family-focused products (including our Location Labs, Privacy Fix, and Zen products) in the Sands Expo Hall.

We were surrounded by all things smart and wearable for health, fitness, education and families. It was a fascinating and highly trafficked place to be where the digitization of everything and the Internet of Things was on display in full force.

Where it will all go from here in the year ahead, will be, not doubt, rooted in practicality. For example, let’s take that baby pacifier I mentioned.

The Pacif-i, a “smart” baby pacifier designed by U.K.-based Blue Maestro was a big hit. This product connects to parents’ smartphones via Bluetooth, and alters them to situations such as as when their baby is running a fever. In this instance, smart devices are creating very useful and valuable information to help parents.

Then at the other end of the spectrum were many fun, novelty and me-too items (names I’ll withhold) whose value will need to be proven…

It’s an exciting new world that we’re embarking upon. But it also reminds us that our privacy and security is increasingly paramount. That’s why we at AVG are continually looking at the trends and what we can do to help you guard and defend your data, devices and “digital” selves.

 

Title image courtesy of gospelherald

AVG

The Privacy Fear Factor: How Tech Is Failing To Serve the 50+

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As Ann Karpf, the British journalist and sociologist reported in her January 4, 2015 New York Times Op-Ed piece on “The Liberation of Growing Old”: “Ageism has been described as prejudice against one’s future self. It tells us that age is our defining characteristic and that, as midnight strikes on a milestone birthday, we will become nothing but old — emptied of our passions, abilities and experience, infused instead with frailty and decline.”

Well said. But sadly, this is a construct that, while wrong, pretty much rings true when we look at how tech companies market to Boomers and Seniors – aka, those aged 50+ — at present.

Indeed, two in five Boomers and Seniors think tech companies patronize them according to our survey of 50+ as part of our most recent edition of the AVG Digital Diaries consumer research series.

However, the majority of 50+ that we surveyed do NOT consider themselves novice users. Most of us consider ourselves “average” tech users (76%); 10% think of ourselves as experts –and only 16% describe themselves as novice.

Digital Diaries Boomers

 

Earlier this week, I highlighted these findings at the Lifelong Tech Summit as part of the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

I was honored and delighted to address the assemblage on the topic because I believe the tech industry in general overlooks – if not neglects – the 50+ consumer segment.

Equally important, my talk on “The Privacy Fear Factor,” focused on what the tech industry needs to do to better serve the needs of the 50+ market – around the issues of data protection and online privacy. This has become an everyday issue and question of fundamental human rights for all of us at any age.

This is especially true for those 50+. We fiercely believe at AVG that regardless of age, people need to know that they don’t have to give up their privacy every time they go online.

But the nagging question remains: why are Boomers and Seniors being undervalued and/or patronized by our industry when they represent a $3 trillion opportunity (U.S. dollars in disposable income).

“why are Boomers and Seniors so undervalued when they represent a $3 trillion opportunity?”.

A basic tenet of marketing is that you have to first understand a market’s dynamics before you can address a market.  And therein lays the heart of the issue.

In my view, the industry needs an attitude adjustment regarding the 50+ market. And I look forward to continuing dialogue on this topic – and in addressing this important demographic.

I’ll close with more of Karpf ‘s eloquent take on aging:

“How to enable the growing numbers of old people to live comfortable, meaningful lives is a fundamental issue of equality, with benefits for all. If we make the world better for old people, we make it better for everyone, from stroller pushers to wheelchair-users.”

AVG

Boomers and Seniors Feel Technology Companies Talk Down to Them

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AMSTERDAM and SAN FRANCISCO – January 6, 2014 – Over two fifths (43%) of those over 50 feel patronized by technology companies. So say the results of the latest study by AVG Technologies N.V. (NYSE: AVG), the online security company™ for 188 million active users, which surveyed almost six thousand people over the age of 50 about their technology habits and opinions as part of its ongoing AVG Digital Diaries research.

With CES kicking off this week in Las Vegas and many companies expected to launch their latest devices to what is an increasingly competitive market, the research highlighted that older customers can feel that they are treated as technologically illiterate by technology companies.

Further complaints among those who felt patronized related to technology companies talking down to them (39%) and treating all those over a certain age the same (32%). This treatment is far from justified, as only 16% of respondents labelled themselves as novice technology users while the majority (76%) ranked themselves as average users of tech.

The research, which provided further insights into the device and application use of those over 50, also highlighted some ongoing security and privacy concerns:

  • 87% of respondents admitted to having some security and privacy concerns over their online activity
  • 66% worry about the security of their data and files
  • 44% worry about keeping their personal information private
Digital Diaries Boomer

 

“Technology companies should think hard before they risk isolating older customers,” said Judith Bitterli, Chief Marketing Officer at AVG Technologies. “This is an audience that is expanding, has more spending power and is actively using devices and apps. For example, our research found 83% use apps on their devices. While it is important to address their privacy and security concerns, this must be done in a manner that is considered, not condescending.”

Bitterli, who regularly blogs on tech topics for Boomers and Seniors on Now AVG, will share further insights from the study in her talk “The Privacy Fear Factor” at the 2015 CES Lifelong Tech Summit taking place at the Venetian today.

 

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Note to Editors

Methodology:

AVG commissioned an online survey interviewing 5,907 respondents over the age of 50 to identify device ownership and usage, and attitudes towards technology in the following markets; Australia, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. Fieldwork was carried out during November 2014. The market research company Research Now carried out the fieldwork using its proprietary panels.

 

About AVG Technologies (NYSE: AVG)

AVG is the online security company providing leading software and services to secure devices, data and people.  AVG has over 188 million active users, as of September 30, 2014, using AVG’s products and services including Internet security, performance optimization, and personal privacy and identity protection. By choosing AVG’s products, users become part of a trusted global community that engages directly with AVG to provide feedback and offer mutual support to other customers.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

www.avg.com

 

 

Judith Bitterli, Chief Marketing Officer

 

Contacts:

US

Katie Han

Waggener Edstrom for AVG

[email protected]

+ 1 (212) 551 4807

UK

Samantha Woodman

Waggener Edstrom for AVG

[email protected]

+ 44 (0)20 7632 3840

AVG

Three resolutions that will change tech in 2015

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As we come to the end of 2014, it is time to reflect on the developments of the last 12 months and also look ahead at what improvements we can make in the year to come.

Personally, there were three major issues in technology that caught my eye in 2014 and they form the basis for my New Year’s Resolutions for 2015.

 

Cybersecurity and privacy

2014 was a watershed year for cybersecurity and privacy issues. With security breaches impacting many of our most trusted brands, retailers and banks (Sony, Target, Home Depot, JP Morgan Chase to name a few).

The good news is people are now more aware of online privacy. The bad news is that these attacks look to remain an issue for the foreseeable future.

In 2015, each of us has a responsibility to be the best digital citizens we can be, and do our part to protect ourselves, our privacy, our data and devices online. I’m getting involved through AVG’s Smart User Mission which aims to educate the next generation of connected people as they come online around the globe.

Photo Courtesy of Barbara Kinney, Clinton Global Initiative

 

As businesses, we have an ongoing responsibility to our customers to ensure their data is protected. That means upping our game in the increasingly changing and challenging cyber security environment.

 

Diversity in the tech industry

This important issue finally gained a much-deserved attention in 2014. Over the past year, we’ve seen Silicon Valley’s first major reporting on diversity in the workforce, after some high profile prodding by civil rights champion Rev. Jesse Jackson. Among others, a book released by Stanford scholar Vivek Wadhwa on Innovating Women and Babson College’s report on VC funding for women entrepreneurs drew further attention to the disparity issues women face in tech.

While the diversity numbers are not pretty, the good news is tackling the diversity issue in technology has gained momentum and has resulted in some positive actions; among them the Diversity 2.0 Summit and The National Venture Capital Association has taken steps to increase opportunities for women and minorities.

I am looking forward to doing my part, and I am delighted to have been selected as a speaker at the 2015 SXSW Interactive program with a Core Conversation on “Boardroom or Baby” on March 14th.

Video

SXSW Talk – Boardroom or baby?

We’ve made good progress but, without doubt, there is much more to be done. I believe that in 2015 we should all make an effort to support diversity in technology. It can only bring benefits to everyone involved.

 

 

Boomers and technology

It’s hard to believe, but the last of the Baby Boomer generation (1946-1964) turned 50 this month. Last fall, the PBS series The Boomer List chronicled an amazing list of 50 people who represent the iconic generation and the impact they have had culture and our lives from arts and entertainment to science and technology, including Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak (below).

Though Boomers helped invent the digital age – and we get little credit for it – we are often viewed as neophytes and often marketed to by tech companies as novices (if, in fact, at all).

Image courtesy of technmarketing.com

 

My final resolution for 2015 is to do what I can to change the way that the technology talks to the older generations. I’ll start by sharing new AVG research along with my thoughts on the tech industry’s need to adapt to new and different needs of this audience during my talk on “The Fear Factor” at the 2015 International Consumer Electronics Show’s Lifelong Tech Summit on January 6 in Las Vegas. If you are attending CES, please come check it out.

 

Here’s to a very happy, healthy, fulfilling and safe 2015 for us all. Look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

AVG

AVG talks about Privacy at CES Lifelong Tech Summit

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AMSTERDAM and SAN FRANCISCO – December 11, 2014 – AVG Technologies N.V. (NYSE: AVG), the online security company™ for 188 million active users, today announced it will speak at the Lifelong Tech and exhibit at the Family Tech Summits at the 2015 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) being held January 6-9, 2015 in Las Vegas.

Highlighting the company’s participation is AVG Chief Marketing Officer Judith Bitterli’s Tech Talk on Jan. 6 on “The Privacy Fear Factor,” a guide to essentials for online safety.

“Feeling safe, comfortable and confident online, especially in our increasingly connected and mobile world, can seem overwhelming if you don’t have the right tools in place,” said Bitterli, who regularly blogs on tech topics for Boomers at AVG Now. “The 50+ audience wants to be connected, engaged, informed and entertained. But privacy has been a major issue for them in fully utilizing the Internet – which has become an essential part of all of our lives. We must address the these issues so we can safely access the services we need — from health records to financial and social sites.”

As part of the presentation, Bitterli will share insights around Boomers’ tech usage and attitudes about privacy and protection issues, including findings from AVG’s new Digital Diaries Boomer research study.

The Lifelong Tech Summit (formerly the Silver Summit) looks at products and services that impact the lives of Boomers – which accounts for approximately 78 million US citizens (450 million worldwide) born between 1946 and 1964. This year’s Summit is designed to showcase the latest products and solutions for lifelong learning, enhancing and augmenting sensory experience, smart home control, healthy aging, and more. See more at: http://livingindigitaltimes.com/

 

What: ‘The Privacy Fear Factor’ presentation at Lifelong Tech Summit at CES

Who: AVG Technologies’ CMO Judith Bitterli

When: 1:30 p.m. January 6, 2015

Location: The Venetian, Level 2, Bellini 2006

 

AVG also will exhibit at the Family Tech Summit’s Cool Mom’s Showcase, being held Jan. 6-9 at CES Tech West, Sands Expo Level 2, Cool Products Pavilion #74935. This event is designed to highlight products that help families save time and energy so they can devote it to what’s important. AVG will showcase some of its key online security and privacy products for families, including “Magda and Mo”, the series of interactive online books that help children learn how to stay safe online. Location Labs by AVG, which was acquired by AVG in September 2014, will feature its Phone Controls service, which US customers can try for free through their tier 1 wireless carrier. Phone Controls lets parents see at a glance and limit how kids use phones, through real-time alerts and easy-to-read weekly email summaries on texting, calling and app downloads.

 

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About AVG Technologies (NYSE: AVG)

AVG is the online security company providing leading software and services to secure devices, data and people.  AVG has over 188 million active users, as of September 30, 2014, using AVG’s products and services including Internet security, performance optimization, and personal privacy and identity protection. By choosing AVG’s products, users become part of a trusted global community that engages directly with AVG to provide feedback and offer mutual support to other customers.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

www.avg.com

 

Contacts:

US

Jordan Byrnes

Waggener Edstrom

[email protected]

+1 (415) 547 7049

 

UK

Samantha Woodman

Waggener Edstrom for AVG

[email protected]

+ 44 (0)20 7632 3840

AVG

Tech Gift Ideas for Boomers

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These gifts will definitely make your loved ones feel special this holiday, even if they are not very tech savvy.

 

Under $50

Restoration Hardware Travel Charger

 

Winner: Roll Up Travel Charger ($49). I travel a lot and love the simplicity of this travel charger from Restoration Hardware. Not only can it charge up to four gadgets simultaneously, but the roll up design keeps cables out of sight. Perfect!

Runner up: Belkin Bluetooth Receiver ($40). Play music straight from your phone or tablet onto any stereo with a tiny $40 dongle from Belkin.

 

$50-100

Video

Brookestone Virtual Keyboard

Winner: Virtual Keyboard ($99). Many of us, not just seniors, have problems typing out texts on our iPhones or tablets. This is especially true when the message goes beyond LOL!

With a virtual keyboard, you can turn any flat surface into a QWERTY-friendly environment. I like the Brookstone Virtual Keyboard.

Runner Up: Amazon Kindle ($79). I’ve written before about my love of reading and I still believe that e-readers make great gifts for anyone who enjoys a book. Not only that but many classic novels are available for the Kindle for free!

 

$100+

Video

Photo Cube Mini Printer

Winner: Photo Cube Mini Printer ($150). Holidays are a time for gatherings and that means picture taking. However, printing pictures that you’ve taken on your phone can be a bit of a hassle.

The printing experts at VuPoint have a solution. The new-millennium version of the Kodak Instamatic, the Photo Cube Printer will instantly print photos straight from any device. No computer needed.

Runner Up: Ringly ($195). What looks like a cocktail ring, is actually a smart device, synced to your phone. It uses vibrations and colored lights to inform you of any calls or messages so you can keep your phone out of sight.

 

Charitable Causes

I’m looking to make this holiday season more meaningful by giving back.  I love the fact that “Giving Tuesday” is taking hold as a holiday shopping idea.

Here are some tips to finding that perfect gift with a conscience:

NPR Giving Gift List:

NPR Giving Gift

NPR have created a marvelous Giving Gift List encouraging people to donate their money or time to a good cause and/or by purchase handmade gifts from craftspeople in some of the worlds’ struggling countries.

The list contains beautifully curated and intriguing items– from Guate Custom Boots from Central America for $200 to a Bamboo Bicycle Holder from Ghana priced at $20.

 

One World Children’s Fund

One World Children's Fund

One World Children’s Fund has many worthwhile projects deserving your support. Personally, I am treasuring a beautiful handmade basket I received from a friend’s charitable organization supporting a secondary school in Tanzania called Tinga Tinga that emphasizes education for girls.

 

I wish we could set aside every Tuesday as Giving Tuesday. Here’s wishing you happy holidays and I hope this gives you some great gift ideas and a little giving inspiration!

 

AVG

Tony’s Tips: Online Dating and Relationships

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For many of us, online dating is a daunting prospect. After all, you’re often not sure who you are talking to or sharing with in the online world.

However, with more than 40 million Americans looking for a for love online, it is really important that they know how to behave in a safe and appropriate way.

Watch the video to find out more!

 

AVG

Ten Online Shopping Tips For Cyber Monday

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Cyber Monday, the start of the digital holiday shopalooza, has occupied its role for nearly 10 years – starting in 2005. Though it still trails brick-and-mortar shopping on Black Friday in popularity, Cyber Monday shoppers spend more! According to an AOL study in 2013, Cyber Monday shoppers spent an average of $468 versus $309 spent on Black Friday.

Another data point of interest: Cyber Monday is an increasingly popular shopping experience for Boomers.  Nielsen research found the percent of customers aged 50-64 who visited online retail sites increased 20.5% and for age 65+ it was up 40% from 2011 to 2012.

In 2014 millions of consumers, and not just online shoppers, were affected by a series of major data breaches, along with malware, phishing, and identity theft. It’s enough to dampen the holiday shopping spirit. But there are ways to stay safe, shop online, and get the great deals offered on Cyber Monday.

Here are 10 tips to keep you safe when shopping online:

  • Be aware. There are unbelievable deals on Cyber Monday and the weeks before Christmas. But if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is. Beware of suspicious online ads and even emails or social media messages that seem to come from friends promising free products or unheard of discounts.
  • Be secure. Make sure you’re logged into a secure Wi-Fi.  Shopping online in a public place could compromise your financial accounts and personal privacy. Anyone can download software that picks your credit card numbers off the airwaves.  Wait until your home or on a secure network to do your shopping!
  • Look for the https:// – The “s” stands for secure. Also look for a lock or similar icon to indicate you are on a safe site.

  • Avoid malicious websites by shopping at well-known and trusted sites where you’ve shopped before. Keep in mind it’s possible for even legitimate sites to have been hijacked and to serve up malicious code to your computer. So make sure your online security software includes link-scanning technology. Such as our own AVG AntiVirus FREE
  • Do your research. If a site is unknown to you, check it out with the Better Business Bureau to see if it is accredited by the group. The National Retail Federation’s CyberMonday.com also has a list of legitimate retailers offering Cyber Monday discounts.
  • Always make sure that you have a unique username and password for each online account. And of course, make your password complicated! Use a mix of symbols and upper and lower case letters. Watch this video for more details:

Video

Never Use The Same Password Twice

 

  • Keep your software up to date! As with any guide to online security, make sure that you’re operating system, browser and antivirus software are up to date.
  • If you’re curious about an order, contact the retailer directly via their site or phone number. Many phishing scams come in the form of emails from Amazon, UPS, FedEx, or other large retailers. Don’t click on the link in the email, even if it looks legitimate.
  • Use one dedicated email and credit card account. Preferably a card with a low limit. This makes it easy to detach and get your money back should your account or the retailer be compromised. Don’t use ATM or debit cards as you could temporarily lose access to cash in the event of theft.
  • Take action immediately if you suspect identity theft! Contact your credit card company, your bank, all three credit-reporting agencies and the police.

 

Cyber Monday is a great way to get a jump on the holidays and avoid the crazy crowds of Black Friday. Just stay safe and enjoy!