Are Gen Z and Millennials truly the cybersecurity-savvy generations we believe them to be? According to Yubico’s latest annual report, these young demographics are not as secure online as we might think. Despite their awareness and eagerness to adopt hardware security keys, 47% of Gen Z and 46% of Millennials claimed their passwords had been hacked at some point.
Here’s a breakdown of the key findings from the report:
- 73% of Gen Z express concerns about the rise of AI in cyberattacks.
- 70% of respondents admitted to being cyberattack victims in the past twelve months.
- 40% of respondents have not received any cybersecurity training at work.
- 49% of respondents are more worried about their personal data than their company’s data.
- 58% of respondents are concerned about AI’s role in sophisticated cyberattacks.
It’s evident that there is a gap in cybersecurity education and awareness among these generations, highlighting the need for better protection measures. Yubico suggests alternative authentication methods like passwordless MFA solutions and physical security keys could improve security and productivity in the workplace.
Derek Hanson, Yubico’s VP of Standards and Alliances, emphasized the importance of these methods, noting, “Passkeys greatly simplify the user experience, reduce login friction, and increase user satisfaction, especially in enterprise environments.”
As we navigate an increasingly digital world, embracing emerging technologies like hardware security keys and passkeys is crucial to safeguarding our digital identities. The report’s call to action urges individuals and businesses to prioritize advanced authentication methods over traditional password systems to enhance security and protect crucial systems and services.
In a world where 39% of respondents still believe a standard username and password combination is secure, it’s time to rethink our approach to cybersecurity and adapt to the evolving threats we face online. Stay informed and stay safe in the digital age.
