A Calgary theatre company is taking an innovative approach to cybersecurity education for older adults by using puppets to teach them how to protect themselves from online fraud and phishing attacks.
Grey Guardians: Phishing Launches in Calgary
The Calgary Animated Objects Society (CAOS) recently launched Grey Guardians: Phishing, a unique puppet show specifically designed to help tackle the high rates of cyber fraud targeting older Canadians. The initiative comes at a critical time when seniors are increasingly vulnerable to online scams.
Directed by Xtine Cook and performed by puppeteers Jen Bain and Jordan French, the educational puppet show helps audience members learn about various fraud schemes and practical ways to protect their personal information and devices.
Positive Reception from Senior Audiences
The puppet show has been presented at multiple seniors residences throughout Calgary over the past week, with organizers reporting overwhelmingly positive responses from audiences.
"Puppetry is a medium that can really talk to people on that core level," explained Cook. "It is a really visual medium to help convey what's somewhat didactic material."
Cook noted that seniors have been enthusiastically engaging with the performances. "They really love it. You just see their faces light up. They're laughing and getting the jokes... and they remember the material."
On Friday, Bain and French performed for an appreciative audience at Wah Ying Mansion in Chinatown, a seniors home operated by the Calgary Chinatown Seniors Housing Society. Tony Wong from the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre provided translation services for residents during the performance.
Addressing a Growing Cyber Threat
Phishing refers to various fraud schemes where scammers use phone calls, text messages, emails, or social media to trick people into sharing personal information or downloading malware onto their devices.
The initiative addresses a significant problem across Canada. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, Canadians reported more than $638 million in losses due to fraud in 2024 alone.
"These email and phone scams can happen to anyone," said Cook. "While developing Grey Guardians, every single person we spoke to has either had a scam happen to them, or to someone close to them."
Wong emphasized the importance of the educational program for the senior community. "It's always good to be on the safe side. Making the seniors aware of these scams will go a long ways... They won't be able to fall into these traps."
Having seen a prior performance, Wong observed that audience members were "amazed by how much a puppet can convey the message to them so clearly" and noted how much seniors enjoyed the experience.
The Grey Guardians: Phishing program represents a creative solution to a serious problem, using the engaging power of puppetry to deliver crucial cybersecurity education to one of Canada's most vulnerable demographics.
