Cyber skills workshop at Cork's MTU for older people

As part of an initiative to raise awareness around the area of cybersecurity and remaining safe online, Munster Technological University (MTU) Cork will host a series of free cyber safety card game workshops for older adults later this month.

The workshops are organised by the MTU cyber safety team as part of a research initiative established to address the lack of accessible cybersecurity support available to citizens in Ireland. The workshops will take place at the Nimbus Research Centre in MTU Cork on April 27, as part of the 21st Cork Lifelong Learning Festival.

To make cyber safety education more accessible, the cyber safety team co-designed an interactive cyber safety card game with older adults aged 65+.

The game offers a simple and engaging way to help participants recognise online threats and build confidence online. Topics covered in the card game include scams, privacy, passwords, cyber attacks and online shopping.

In a 2025 report on cybercrime and online deception, An Garda Síochána reported a 166% increase in online shopping scams, underlining the growing need for practical cyber safety advice.

Dr Hazel Murray, project lead and head of cybersecurity at MTU, said: “Older adults are a key group when it comes to tackling the digital divide.

“The card game teaches techniques for recognising scams, but most importantly, it creates a social way of learning about cyber safety. It helps build confidence and increases resilience to cyber-attacks.”

Older adults across Cork are invited to attend, with sessions running throughout the day from 10:00am to 3:10pm. Each workshop lasts 1 hour and 20 minutes, with tea and coffee provided.

Places are limited and can be booked free of charge through Eventbrite or by contacting the team at cyber-advice@cyberskills.ie