Gen Z and Cybersecurity: Most Have Faced Hacks, but Few Use Basic Protection

More than half of Gen Z respondents have already experienced device or account hacks or data leaks. Yet basic digital protection remains far less common among young users: only 27% use mobile antivirus software, while just 28% regularly back up important smartphone data. The findings come from a Kaspersky study.

The survey was conducted in March 2026 among 7,200 people in 18 countries, including Russia, Germany, France, China, India, Brazil and Turkey. It found that 57% of Gen Z spend more time online than offline, while 67% describe the smartphone as their main device for accessing the internet.

Heavy use of digital services does not always translate into practical security knowledge. While 59% of respondents feel comfortable in the digital environment, only 28% consider their skills advanced. Kaspersky notes that knowing how to use apps does not necessarily mean being able to spot phishing or manage passwords safely.

The consequences of weak protection are already affecting popular services. Social media account hacks were reported by 17% of respondents, while another 12% had lost access to gaming profiles. Photos, personal documents, passwords and login credentials were named among the most valuable data stored on smartphones.

The study was published by Kaspersky, which is also promoting the educational Case 404 project. The browser-based cyber-detective game uses fictional scenarios inspired by real phishing, fraud and account takeover schemes. The company hopes the game format will help young users recognize digital threats more effectively.