Despite their extensive time spent online and a sense of confidence in navigating the digital landscape, Generation Z appears to be lagging behind other generations in adopting essential cybersecurity measures. Recent research from Kaspersky’s internal market research center, which surveyed 7,200 respondents globally, highlights this paradox.
Digital Engagement and Confidence
Generation Z, often referred to as digital natives, spends a remarkable 57% of their time online, surpassing all other generations surveyed. Smartphones are central to their digital experience, with 67% identifying them as their primary device for internet access. This constant connectivity fosters a notable sense of confidence, as nearly 59% of Gen Z respondents express feeling comfortable in the digital realm. However, only 28% consider their digital skills to be advanced, revealing a disconnect between comfort and the necessary knowledge to effectively manage digital risks.
Protective Measures Lacking
Despite their confidence, protective actions are surprisingly minimal. Only 27% of Gen Z respondents utilize antivirus software on their mobile devices, which is significantly lower than their peers in other age groups. Additionally, they are less inclined to change their passwords regularly, a basic yet crucial aspect of online security.
The repercussions of this oversight are already evident. More than half of the respondents (52%) have reported experiencing attacks involving their devices, online accounts, or data. Alarmingly, 17% have had a social media account compromised, while 12% have lost access to a gaming account.
The Value of Data and Limited Protection
Smartphones hold a treasure trove of valuable information for Gen Z, with 38% considering personal documents and photos as critically important. This generation places a higher value on the personal documents stored on their devices compared to others. Yet, the protection of this information remains inadequate, as only 28% regularly back up important data from their smartphones. This lack of precaution creates vulnerabilities that extend beyond the loss of a single device, potentially granting attackers access to sensitive personal information, including photographs, identity documents, and financial accounts.
Cybersecurity Awareness Initiatives
To address these challenges, Kaspersky emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about cyber threats. In response, they have launched an interactive online game titled “Case 404.” This engaging cyber-detective adventure immerses players in fictional scenarios inspired by real digital threats, teaching them how to identify scams, phishing attempts, and account takeover tactics prevalent in gaming. Through “Case 404,” players are equipped with the mindset and skills necessary to navigate the digital world securely.
Kaspersky advocates for treating cybersecurity as an integral part of daily digital routines rather than a reactive measure following an incident. Comprehensive security solutions, such as Kaspersky Premium, are recommended to safeguard devices against malware, phishing, and other online threats. Given that smartphones are the primary devices for many Gen Z users, protection should encompass both mobile and desktop activities.
Utilizing dedicated tools like Kaspersky Password Manager can aid individuals in creating strong, unique passwords for various accounts and securely storing them. This practice minimizes the potential fallout from a single password being compromised in a data breach.
“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,” states Irina Ermilova, Vice President for Consumer Product Management at Kaspersky. “The findings indicate that cybersecurity tools and habits need to become as natural a part of everyday digital life as messaging, gaming, or using social media.”
This insightful study was conducted by Kaspersky’s market research center in 2026, with participation from 7,200 respondents across 18 countries, including Brazil, China, Colombia, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam.
