Kaspersky finds Gen Z exposed to cyberattacks despite digital confidence

According to the new research by Kaspersky, Generation Z is increasingly exposed to cyber threats despite spending more time online compared to other generations, with many young users failing to adopt basic security measures such as regular password changes and mobile antivirus software.

Kaspersky’s internal market research centre conducted the research among 7200 respondents worldwide and found that 52% of the Gen Z respondents have experienced attacks involving their devices, online accounts, and personal data, with 17% among them reporting having their social media accounts hacked while 12% lost access to gaming accounts.

The findings spotlight a growing gap between young people’s confidence in navigating the digital world and their ability to protect themselves against online threats.

Additionally, 67% of the respondents have identified smartphones as their primary device for regular internet use, and 57% of Gen Z reported spending more time online than offline, making it the highest proportion among the generations surveyed.

Despite the dependence on digital platforms, only 27% of Gen Z respondents use antivirus software on their mobile devices, with regular password changes becoming less common in this generation.

The research found that 38% of Gen Z respondents considered photos and personal documents stored on their devices critically important, respectively, while 30% placed similar importance on passwords and login credentials.

However, only 28% regularly back up important data from their smartphones, leaving many potentially vulnerable to data loss if their devices are compromised, damaged or lost.

“Gen Z has grown up online, so digital services often feel intuitive and familiar to them. However, familiarity should not be confused with security expertise. Being able to navigate apps, platforms and devices confidently does not necessarily mean being able to identify scams, manage passwords securely or protect personal data,” said Irina Ermilova, Vice President for Consumer Product Management at Kaspersky.

Kaspersky recommends incorporating cybersecurity into everyday digital routines, including using security software, creating strong and unique passwords for different accounts and regularly backing up important files.

Ultimately, Kaspersky has also introduced an interactive online game, Case 404, designed to help young users recognise phishing attempts, scams, and account takeover tactics through fictional scenarios based on real digital threats.

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