The most online generation is also the least protected: over half of Gen Z have already faced a cyberattack

Despite spending more time online and feeling confident in the digital world, Gen Z are less likely than other generations to use antivirus software for mobile devices or change passwords, according to new research conducted by Kaspersky’s internal market research center among 7,200 respondents worldwide.
Gen Z spend a greater share of their time online than any other generation. New research conducted by Kaspersky’s internal market research center reveals that 57% of Gen Z spend more time online then offline – the highest proportion among all generations surveyed. Smartphones play a particularly central role in their digital lives, with 67% naming them as their main device for regular Internet usage.
This constant connectivity is accompanied by considerable confidence. Almost six in ten Gen Z respondents (59%) say they feel confident in the digital environment. However, only 28% believe their digital skills are advanced, highlighting a gap between feeling comfortable online and having the knowledge needed to manage digital risks effectively.
This confidence does not always translate into protective action. Only 27% of Gen Z respondents use antivirus software for mobile devices, considerably fewer than among other generations. They are also less likely to change their passwords regularly.
The consequences are already visible. More than half of Gen Z respondents (52%) say they have experienced attacks involving their devices, online accounts or data. While 17% have had a social media account hacked and 12% have lost access to a gaming account.
Smartphones hold Gen Z’s most valuable data – but protection remains limited
The research also shows that smartphones contain some of the information Gen Z values most. Photos and personal documents are considered critically important by 38% of Gen Z respondents respectively. Gen Z is more likely than other generations to view personal documents stored on their devices as particularly valuable. Passwords and login credentials are considered critical by a further 30%.
Despite the importance of this information, smartphone data is not always adequately protected. The use of consumer digital life protection tools remains limited, particularly among Gen Z, and only 28% regularly back up important data from their smartphones.
This creates risks that extend beyond the loss of a single device. A compromised smartphone may provide attackers with access to personal photographs, identity documents, email accounts, social media profiles, financial services and other parts of a person’s digital life.
Everyday protection should match everyday digital habits
Raising awareness about cyberthreats can’t be underestimated. Specifically for Gen Z, Kaspersky has launched an interactive online game, “Case 404”. In this cyber-detective adventure, players dive into fictional cases inspired by real digital threats, learning how to spot scams, phishing attempts and account takeover tactics common in gaming. With “Case 404”. The game is equipping players with the mindset and skills to stay secure while doing what they love.
Kaspersky recommends that users treat cybersecurity as an ongoing part of their digital routine rather than something to consider only after an incident.
A comprehensive security solution such as Kaspersky Premium can help protect devices against malware, phishing and other online threats. Because smartphones are now the primary device for many Gen Z users, protection should cover mobile activity as well as desktop computers.
Using a dedicated tool such as Kaspersky Password Manager can help people create strong, unique passwords for different accounts and store them securely. This reduces the potential impact of a single password being stolen or exposed 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,” said Irina Ermilova, Vice President for Consumer Product Management at Kaspersky. “The findings show that cybersecurity tools and habits need to become as natural part of everyday digital life as messaging, gaming or using social media.”
The study was conducted by Kaspersky’s market research center in 2026. 7200 respondents from 18 countries (Brazil, China, Colombia, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam) took part in the survey.