An entrepreneur has set up a cybersecurity service designed to protect the over 50s from fraud – inspired by the story of his late grandfather who fell victim to online scammers.
Jordan Reid, 32, has co-founded SENGUARD with cybersecurity expert Grant McAdam to provide older people with ‘simple and accessible’ tools to help them navigate the web safely.
The service offers scam surveillance, account security, and privacy protection – with features including voice-guided navigation for users with visual impairments and clear, jargon-free instructions.
The Glasgow-based start-up has already gained major recognition, securing £75,000 from the Scottish EDGE competition. The funding will support the firm as it expands pilot programs to cities across the UK, including London, Newcastle, and Dundee, as the company refines its product with real-world testing.
Reid’s grandfather Ian Gardner was a retired mechanical engineer from Coatbridge. He had fallen victim to a ransomware attack which not only robbed him of thousands of pounds, but also, his independence.
Before the incident, army veteran Ian, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 78, had relied on his computer to write his memoirs, connect with family on Skype, and store decades of treasured photographs. Ian had written thousands of words on his life from his time serving with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in Malaya in Southeast Asia during the 1960s to working as an engineer at Glasgow Central Station. But scammers infiltrated his PC and wiped his files, and left him anxious and disconnected in his final years.
Reid said: “The computer was a huge part of his life until scammers wiped everything. After the incident, he only really used the computer to play solitaire.
“The attack wasn’t simply about losing data — he lost his connection to so many things, which was heartbreaking. He’d been such a confident, capable man, but the scammers really put a dent in that. When I found out, I kept thinking, ‘How many other families are dealing with the same thing?’
“He didn’t tell anyone until his dying days, but we knew something had changed. It’s so common in this age group – they’re embarrassed, and they don’t want to be seen as victims.”
According to a report from Independent Age scams cost older people in the UK an average of nearly £4,000 each. Another study by Age UK revealed that 1.2 million older adults lie awake at night worrying about online fraud.
Reid added: “It’s not because older people aren’t capable – far from it. It’s because scammers know where the money is – over 50s control most of the wealth in the UK. Many over-50s are incredibly tech-savvy, but the tools to protect themselves haven’t kept pace with the scale of the threat, and even the most capable individuals can fall victim.
“AI is a game changer for scammers. They can create fake websites, emails, or even phone calls in seconds. It’s all designed to exploit the weakest links. From fake delivery texts to convincing phone scams about unpaid bills, the tactics are constantly evolving. It’s not just the financial loss — it’s the stress, anxiety, and isolation that follows.”
He added: “I hope this will protect older adults and help families support their loved ones. It’s not always easy to bring up online safety, but it’s so important. Ask your parents or grandparents if they’ve had any suspicious messages. Let them know it’s okay to ask for help. Scammers rely on silence to succeed, so starting the conversation is the first step.”
