Younger Generation Z More Vulnerable to Cyber Scams than Older Age Groups
Cybercriminals are still deceiving Gen Z, even though they are considered to be the most tech-savvy age group. According to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), younger Australians are at a higher risk of falling victim to scams, fraud, attacks, and identity crime than older age groups. The AFP has cautioned that Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, is particularly susceptible to cyber scams due to their extensive online presence. This is despite being considered the most tech-savvy age group.
Young people often fall for downloading malware disguised as links in emails or pop-ups offering free music, games, or video downloads. Therefore, the AFP has advised Gen Z to be cautious about online shopping scams, especially during the festive season.
Following a report from the Australian Institute of Criminology on Cybercrime in Australia 2023, it was found that almost 31 percent of people aged 18-24 fell victim to a malware attack in the last 12 months.
It is important for businesses to be aware that relying solely on younger employees, particularly Gen Z, to handle technology and social media may not be the most secure approach. According to a survey, Gen Z employees showed less awareness and competence in cybersecurity compared to their older counterparts.
Several experts have highlighted that young people, particularly Gen Z, are particularly vulnerable to online scams, including cryptocurrency investments and payments which are highly unregulated by governments.
The culture of instant gratification promoted by online platforms makes young people more susceptible to scams promising immediate rewards. The internet is a hotbed for scammers who consistently improve their tactics to target psychological vulnerabilities in young people. It is important for young people to be cautious and aware of deceptive practices online.
