WV Attorney General’s Office Announces University Partnerships

In a press release from the West Virginia Attorney General’s office, it was announced the office will partner with two community and technical colleges to offer free cybersecurity training to senior citizens, a pilot program that officials hope will bring about a larger partnership with community and technical colleges across West Virginia.

The collaboration will soon kick off with Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College, in Moorefield, and Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College, in Mount Gay. It will connect college students with local senior citizens in an effort to share computer safety and literacy information. The tips will include password protection, spotting scam emails and a variety of cybersecurity precautions.

AG Patrick Morrisey said “We live in a society where virtually everyone utilizes some type of technology in order to research, socialize and even pay bills. Unfortunately, senior citizens are often targeted by scammers due to their unfamiliarity with computers. By connecting our state’s senior population with young adults, we hope to decrease the ever growing number of individuals who fall victim to scams each year.”

The Attorney General’s Office will coordinate events and accompany the community college students, who will use their expertise to share information with attendees.

Vice Chancellor Casey Sacks, Ph.D. of the West Virginia Community and Technical College System  said “I am excited that Eastern WV Community and Technical College and Southern WV Community and Technical College are partnering with the Attorney General’s office, We want to do everything we can to educate our citizens and help prevent fraud, particularly against some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Our students have expertise in this area and are happy to share their knowledge in their community.”

The Attorney General’s Office hopes to expand the program to other parts of the state in coming weeks.