using laptop work

Younger Workers More Relaxed About Cybersecurity Than Older Counterparts, Survey Finds

Different generations approach technology at work in vastly different ways, the report found.

  • By Haley Samsel
  • Oct 23, 2019

As National Cybersecurity Awareness Month comes to a close, a new survey finds that workers under the age of 30 are more relaxed about cybersecurity practices than their older counterparts, making them potentially vulnerable to phishing and other threats. 

Research conducted by technology services company NTT, released Tuesday, scored survey respondents on best cybersecurity practices. On average, professionals under the age of 30 had a worse average score than workers who were 30 and above, including 46- to 60-year-olds. 

The main difference in attitudes toward cybersecurity across age groups is the willingness of younger workers to use their own devices to complete tasks, according to the research. While 46 percent of under-30s said they were worried that their organization does not have the right cybersecurity skills and resources in-house, they were more accepting of personal devices at work than older employees. 

At the same time, younger workers were slightly more concerned about the Internet of Things (IOT) as a potential cybersecurity risk, with 61 percent of under-30s calling it a risk compared to 59 percent of over-30s. 

“This data suggests that those born and raised in the digital age don’t necessarily follow cybersecurity best practices,” NTT wrote in a press release announcing the survey. “In fact, employees who have spent more time in the workplace gaining knowledge, skills and acquired ‘digital DNA,’ tend to have a stronger security posture than younger workers.”

In addition, the survey found that 39 percent younger employees were likely to consider paying a hacker’s ransom demand, compared to 30 percent of over-30s. The report attributes the difference to a greater impatience among young people to get access to their systems and restart business, or a greater knowledge of bitcoin and cryptocurrencies that are often used to pay ransomware hackers. 

Matt Gyde, the CEO of security at NTT, said the research shows that the workforce has very different approaches and attitudes toward cybersecurity depending on age. He emphasized that cybersecurity must be seen as a responsibility of all employees rather than just the IT department. 

“Businesses must transform their approach to security if they are to engage all generations,” he said in a statement. “Different generations use technology in very different ways and business leaders need to recognize that strong cybersecurity practices for all generations within the business is an enabler and not a barrier. Security leaders should make themselves more approachable and talk the language of business, not IT.” 

About the Author

Haley Samsel is an Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • 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.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.