Younger Generations May Be Overconfident About Cybersecurity, Survey Suggests

Younger Generations May Be Overconfident About Cybersecurity, Survey Suggests

People who belong to Generation Z may be overconfident about their online account security, suggests a recent survey commissioned by Google

Users who belong to Generation Z (16-24-year-olds) may be overconfident about their online account security practices, suggests a recent survey commissioned by Google.

According to a recent Harris Poll, which surveyed 3,000 adults in the United States, 78 percent of Gen Z respondents said they use the same password for multiple online accounts. Of all users surveyed, 52 percent said they reused the same password for multiple (but not all) accounts, with only 13 percent reusing the same password everywhere.

Reusing a username/password combination across multiple accounts is can lead to credential stuffing, a practice in which hackers use breached username or email/password combinations to hack into accounts where the user may have recycled passwords.

"Younger users are digital natives; they don’t remember a time without smartphones," Emily Schechter, a product manager for Chrome Security at Google, told Mashable. "I think this must be super influential to how they think about technology and security."

As for Baby Boomers (those 50 years and older), only 60 percent of those users said they reused a password on multiple accounts, while 67 percent of 25-49-year-olds did the same.

Of Gen Z respondents, 71 percent said they wouldn’t fall prey to a phishing scam, but only 44 percent of respondents said they knew what the term “phishing” means. Boomers and 25 49 year-olds responded as more confident that they wouldn’t get phished, and more of them said they understood the term.

When asked about two-step verification, 76 percent of Gen Z respondents said they used it, with 25-49 year olds a close second at 74 percent. Baby Boomers came in third, with 62 percent of respondents using two-factor authentication to boost their account security.

The report identified four tips users can follow to strengthen the security of their online accounts:

  • Set up recover phone number/email address
  • Use unique passwords for your accounts
  • Keep software up to date
  • Set up two-factor authentication

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Report: 47 Percent of Security Service Providers Are Not Yet Using AI or Automation Tools

    Trackforce, a provider of security workforce management platforms, today announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations. Read Now

    • Guard Services
  • Identity Governance at the Crossroads of Complexity and Scale

    Modern enterprises are grappling with an increasing number of identities, both human and machine, across an ever-growing number of systems. They must also deal with increased operational demands, including faster onboarding, more scalable models, and tighter security enforcement. Navigating these ever-growing challenges with speed and accuracy requires a new approach to identity governance that is built for the future enterprise. Read Now

  • Eagle Eye Networks Launches AI Camera Gun Detection

    Eagle Eye Networks, a provider of cloud video surveillance, recently introduced Eagle Eye Gun Detection, a new layer of protection for schools and businesses that works with existing security cameras and infrastructure. Eagle Eye Networks is the first to build gun detection into its platform. Read Now

  • Report: AI is Supercharging Old-School Cybercriminal Tactics

    AI isn’t just transforming how we work. It’s reshaping how cybercriminals attack, with threat actors exploiting AI to mass produce malicious code loaders, steal browser credentials and accelerate cloud attacks, according to a new report from Elastic. Read Now

  • Pragmatism, Productivity, and the Push for Accountability in 2025-2026

    Every year, the security industry debates whether artificial intelligence is a disruption, an enabler, or a distraction. By 2025, that conversation matured, where AI became a working dimension in physical identity and access management (PIAM) programs. Observations from 2025 highlight this turning point in AI’s role in access control and define how security leaders are being distinguished based on how they apply it. Read Now

New Products

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.