Kaspersky Study Highlights Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities Among Gen Z Users
Gen Z Lacks Cybersecurity Habits Despite High Online Activity
- Gen Z remains highly active online despite low cybersecurity awareness
- Study reveals 52 percent of Gen Z suffered cyber attacks
- Kaspersky launches interactive game to boost youth cybersecurity awareness
2 August, Sunday: Despite spending the most time online, many individuals belonging to Generation Z (Gen Z) have yet to develop necessary cybersecurity habits, according to global cybersecurity firm Kaspersky. Research conducted by the firm reveals that 57 percent of Gen Z spend more time online than offline, with 67 percent primarily relying on smartphones for internet access.
The study further indicates that while 59 percent of Gen Z feel confident navigating the digital world, only 28 percent consider their digital skills to be advanced. Only 27 percent regularly use antivirus protection on smartphones, a lower rate compared to other generations. Similarly, their awareness regarding routine password updates remains relatively low.
The consequences are already evident. Among the surveyed Gen Z participants, 52 percent reported experiencing cyber attacks that compromised their devices, online accounts, or personal data. Specifically, 17 percent experienced social media account hacks, while 12 percent lost control of their gaming accounts.
The research highlights that 38 percent of users store photos and personal documents on smartphones, and 30 percent save passwords and login credentials on their devices. However, only 28 percent regularly back up important data. Kaspersky recommends integrating cybersecurity into daily routines using reliable security software, password managers, and VPNs. To build awareness among youth, the firm launched an interactive online game titled 'Case 404'.
Irina Yarmilova, Vice President of Consumer Product Management at Kaspersky, stated, "Gen Z grew up in a digital environment, making technology usage second nature to them. However, comfort with digital platforms does not automatically translate into cybersecurity competence. Navigating apps is entirely different from detecting fraud, managing passwords securely, or protecting personal data. Our research shows that cybersecurity habits must become a natural part of daily life, just like messaging, gaming, or social networking."
//DBTech/RI/IMU//
