Inspired participants gathered for the “Feel Safe Online!” workshop with cybersecurity expert Erik Jan Koedijk, organised by Foresee Foundation and community partners on October 31, at the 4CF Impact Hub on St. Maarten.
PHILIPSBURG--Thirty seniors took part in a free cybersecurity workshop at the Foresee Foundation Impact Hub on Saturday, October 31, learning practical ways to recognise online scams and protect their personal information.
The workshop, titled “Feel Safe Online!”, was organised by Foresee Foundation in collaboration with Leaders for Change and senior organisations.
Cybersecurity expert Erik Jan Koedijk guided participants through ways to identify suspicious messages, fraudulent phone calls and requests for money, while explaining how to safeguard personal information.
Using everyday examples and simple language, Koedijk highlighted several measures participants could put into practice, including using strong and different passwords for each account, enabling two-factor authentication, being cautious about clicking links or sharing information, and keeping phones and applications updated.
“Cybercrime doesn’t discriminate by age, and neither should cybersecurity education. Everyone deserves to feel safe and confident online,” Koedijk said.
He described the participants as curious and enthusiastic, adding that people do not need to be technology experts to protect themselves. A little awareness, practical precautions and the confidence to ask questions can make a difference, he said.
Koedijk is travelling through the Caribbean for his cybersecurity business and volunteers his time during his travels to provide free workshops for young people and seniors. Foresee Foundation thanked Koedijk for sharing his time and expertise, as well as Frances Rovelet and Ashma Berkel for reaching out to participants and helping organise the gathering.
