Recent research from Kaspersky’s internal market research center highlights a paradox within the digital habits of Generation Z. Despite their extensive online presence and confidence in navigating the digital landscape, this cohort is surprisingly less proactive in employing essential cybersecurity measures compared to older generations. The study surveyed 7,200 respondents globally, revealing that 57% of Gen Zs worldwide spend more time online than offline, a trend mirrored closely by their counterparts in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, where 56% report similar habits. Smartphones have emerged as the primary device for internet access, with 75% of APAC Gen Zs relying on them for daily connectivity.
Digital sentiments and behaviours of Gen Zs in APAC
The research underscores a significant level of confidence among Gen Zs in APAC, with approximately two-thirds expressing comfort in navigating the digital environment. Notably, confidence levels peak in Indonesia at 77% and Vietnam at 71%, while Malaysia reports the lowest at just over half (54%). However, this confidence does not extend to a comprehensive understanding of digital threats. Only 26% of Gen Z respondents across APAC consider their knowledge of digital risks and protective measures to be advanced. India leads with 35%, followed by Indonesia and Malaysia at 28%, while Vietnam (24%), Thailand (23%), and China (10%) show considerably lower confidence in their digital security knowledge.
When examining digital behaviors, the findings reveal a concerning trend: only 22% of Gen Z respondents in APAC utilize antivirus software on their smartphones, the lowest among all generations surveyed. In contrast, 31% of Millennials, 28% of Gen X, and 43% of Boomers report using such protective measures. Furthermore, just 35% of Gen Zs change their passwords regularly, compared to 48% of Millennials, 50% of Gen X, and 53% of Boomers. Alarmingly, 90% of Gen Zs have experienced at least one cyber incident in the past year, a statistic that aligns closely with Millennials.
Smartphones hold Gen Z’s most valuable data — but protection remains limited
The research also highlights that smartphones are repositories for some of the most valuable information for Gen Zs. A significant 38% of respondents globally regard personal documents and photos as critically important, with an additional 30% considering passwords and login credentials equally vital. Despite the significance of this data, protection measures remain inadequate, as only a third of Gen Zs regularly back up important information from their devices. This lack of proactive measures poses risks that extend beyond individual devices, potentially exposing personal photographs, identity documents, and financial information to cybercriminals.
Everyday protection should match everyday digital habits
Kaspersky advocates for a shift in perspective regarding cybersecurity, urging users to integrate protective measures into their daily digital routines rather than treating them as reactive responses to incidents. Comprehensive security solutions, such as Kaspersky Premium, are recommended to safeguard devices against malware and phishing threats, particularly as smartphones dominate the digital landscape for many Gen Z users.
Additionally, tools like Kaspersky Password Manager can assist in creating robust, unique passwords for various accounts, thereby minimizing the risks associated with password theft. For those utilizing public Wi-Fi, a trusted VPN can enhance privacy by encrypting internet traffic and securing transmitted data.
To engage Gen Z more effectively, Kaspersky has introduced an interactive online game, “Case 404,” where players navigate fictional scenarios inspired by real digital threats. This initiative aims not only to raise awareness but also to equip young users with the skills necessary to recognize scams and protect their digital identities.
Irina Ermilova, Vice President for Consumer Product Management at Kaspersky, emphasizes the distinction between digital familiarity and security expertise. “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,” she notes. “The findings indicate that cybersecurity tools and habits need to become integral to everyday digital life, just like messaging or gaming.”
Adrian Hia, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky, adds, “Our findings reveal a significant gap between digital confidence and digital preparedness among Gen Zs in APAC. This gap is particularly concerning given their constant connectivity, which makes them attractive targets for cybercriminals. There is an urgent need to enhance digital literacy and fortify cyber defenses to ensure users of all generations can remain both confident and secure online.”
*The study was conducted by Kaspersky’s market research center in March 2026, with participation from 7,200 respondents across 18 countries.
