“They Lost Everything in 48 Hours”: U.S. Cybersecurity Expert Warns Older Americans About Invisible Online Threats — and the Simple Steps That Stop Them
By Michael Harrison, Senior Cybersecurity Analyst | Published Today
A retired American couple saw their retirement savings disappear in 48 hours after a sophisticated malware attack
“We checked our account, and the money was gone.”
That’s what a retired couple from Ohio told me. They hadn’t clicked obvious scams. They hadn’t shared passwords. But a silent piece of malware — triggered by a fake bank warning — had been recording everything.
Within two days, their checking and retirement funds were transferred out. Their details were traded online. And they were left picking up the pieces with their bank and local authorities.
These attacks happen every day — especially to people who just want to email family, pay bills, and read the news.
You’ll be taken to Norton’s secure checkout to activate protection.
Common attack patterns we see:
Here’s the uncomfortable truth:
Many “set and forget” tools fail against today’s fast, AI-assisted attacks designed to trick people first and machines second.
The fix isn’t complicated: install reputable protection, run a scan, and enable breach alerts. Checkout is quick, and setup only takes a few minutes.
Ransomware can lock you out of your files and demand payment — prevention is critical
Get protected in minutes: complete checkout, install, and run your first scan.
You’ll land on a secure billing page to activate your license. After purchase, download the app, sign in, and let it guide you through the first scan and real-time protection.
Secure payment • Works on Windows, macOS, Android, and iPhone
What good protection should include
Combine software + smart settings for simple, effective security at home.
Your checklist:
Easy for families
Quick to get started
Real-time defense
Identity protection
You don’t need to be “good with tech.” Follow the on-screen steps after checkout.
"I nearly gave my Medicare details to a convincing email. The security tips and link checker showed it was a phishing attempt; I tightened my accounts the same day."
— Susan P., 72, Retired Nurse (Arizona)
"We connected to free Wi-Fi at the airport and my phone started acting oddly. The scanner flagged risky apps and I locked it down."
— Howard T., 76, Retired Pilot (Florida)
"Scammers pretended to be my bank’s fraud team. The guide helped me verify the sender and freeze my login until I reset everything — saved me thousands."
— Carol J., 79, Widow (Texas)
"No jargon. I ran a scan, turned on breach alerts, and my laptop feels safe again."
— David W., Community IT Volunteer (Ohio)
With the right setup, you can browse, shop, and bank online with confidence
Don’t wait for “I wish I’d acted sooner.”
Complete checkout now — protection and your first scan are minutes away.
Activate iPhone/Android ProtectionYou’ll be taken to Norton’s secure billing page.