There is a common misconception that old people are the demographic most likely to be targeted and fall for phishing scams. However, recent data that disproves this theory.
In a national survey of 4000 UK adults, Marcus by Goldman Sachs found that 14% of people have fallen victim to a financial scam. Among these, Gen Z (those born after 1995) and Millennials (born from 1980 to the mid-90s) were the most confident they could recognise phishing attempts, with 55% of 18-34 year-olds believing they’re too tech savvy to be scammed.
Instead, research indicates they’re actually at much higher risk of falling for phishing scams than their older counterparts.
Furthermore, Atlas VPN also shared data revealing that more than one in five (23%) of Gen Z and Millennial people living in the US have fallen victim to a phishing scam, compared with just 19% of Gen X (born between 1965 and 1980).
Baby Boomers (born mid-1940s to mid-1960s) actually seem to be least likely to fall for digital scams, with data suggesting that only 9% have had direct contact with a phishing scam.
And phishing isn’t the only cyber threat that people face. 52% of Millennials and Gen Z have had a password stolen, or know someone who has, and just under half (48%) have had a social media accounts hacked.
“While younger generations are more tech-savvy, they are also very accustomed to doing everything online — from communicating with friends to shopping or conducting financial transactions. This daily use of the Internet from a young age makes them less cautious about engaging online or giving out their personal information.”
Ruth Cizynski, Cybersecurity Researcher – Atlas VPN
No matter which generation they’re from, most people will encounter a phishing email at some point in their life. Protect and future-proof your organisation’s digital security today with Phishing Tackle.
Our simulated phishing tests can pinpoint which of your employees is likely to fall for an online scam, and our up-to-date training materials will help ensure they’re ready to protect your business from cyber threat actors.
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