ProtecTIC Design of an Inclusive UX/UI Application for Cyber Fraud Prevention

This chapter per the authors examined the challenge of cyber fraud in vulnerable populations with limited digital literacy, such as older adults and rural communities in Latin America. Existing cybersecurity tools were found to be difficult to adopt due to complex interfaces and technical language. To address this gap, ProtecTIC was designed as an educational mobile application built with inclusive UX/UI principles and preventive digital literacy. The methodology followed an agile and iterative process, combining qualitative and quantitative techniques through interviews, surveys, and usability tests with participants in Colombia and Mexico. Pilot testing with older adults demonstrated improved recognition of phishing and fraudulent scenarios and increased confidence in navigating digital environments. This chapter per the authors concluded that ProtecTIC represents an effective strategy to reduce digital inequalities and reframes cybersecurity as both an educational and social challenge, contributing to empowerment and resilience in vulnerable communities.