The Z Generation has grown up connected, shaping digital trends and naturally interacting with social networks, online shopping, and new technologies. However, their online habits are being used as bait by cybercriminals to carry out digital scams and spread malware. Among the most exploited habits are: “fear of missing out” (FOMO), nostalgic consumption of 2000s culture, and heavy use of mental health apps. To help young people and raise awareness of these risks and promote safer browsing, Kaspersky launches the interactive game “Case 404” and gathers practical tips to help young people navigate more safely. Check below.
Excessive sharing and increased digital footprint
For Generation Z, sharing life moments online has become part of their daily lives. Social media platforms are filled with geotagged selfies, daily updates, and personal data. However, this constant sharing creates a digital footprint that can be exploited by cybercriminals to engage in identity theft or social engineering attacks.
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Example of a phishing page with a fake offer for the new iPhone 16 Pro Max
Cybercriminals exploit this urgency through phishing schemes and clickbait, leading users to malicious sites that steal login credentials and distribute malware. Fake tickets to events, pre-sale schemes for products, and ‘leaked’ insider information are just some of the tactics used to manipulate users through this fear.
2. Y2K Fashion Nostalgia and Early 2000s Culture
For Generation Z, who were born around or after that time, Y2K fashion represents a mix of nostalgia for a simpler, pre-digital era, and a desire to reinvent those styles with a modern twist. Generation Z’s fascination with early 2000s culture, from Y2K aesthetics to childhood games, has revived interest in retro titles like The Sims 2, Barbie Fashion Designer, and Bratz Rock Angelz.
While these games evoke nostalgia, the search for unofficial downloads often leads users to sites that propagate malware. Cybercriminals target this niche interest, embedding malicious software in fake game files. What appears to be a ‘trip to the past’ can result in compromised devices or stolen data.
3. Fast Fashion Stores
Generation Z loves expressive clothing. You want to stand out, rather than fit in, thus having an ever-changing style – what was trendy a month ago may no longer be in vogue.
Your trend-chasing habits are supported by Fast Fashion retailers offering affordable ways to change. For instance, the Fast Fashion giant Shein, adored by Gen Z, adds 6,000 new products to its website/app daily.
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Phishing scheme using a fast shop brand as bait
For Gen Z, Fast Fashion stores are more than just a shopping preference; they are a lifestyle. Brands like Shein, ASOS, and Fashion Nova offer affordable prices and instant gratification, making them essential for this generation. However, the fascination with these brands has a dark side. Fake shopping websites, fake promotional codes, and phishing ads capitalize on their popularity, using convincing imitations to trick users into entering their sensitive information. The more involved in online shopping, the greater the risk of encountering fake websites and phishing schemes designed to steal personal and financial information.
4. iDisorder
Generation Z is facing a phenomenon called iDisorder, a condition where the brain’s ability to process information is altered due to excessive exposure to technology. This technology obsession can lead to psychological, physical, and social disturbances, including depression and anxiety. This fact is supported by public investigation: one in three young people, aged 18 to 24, currently exhibits symptoms indicating they have experienced mental health problems of this kind.
That’s why people increasingly turn to digital tools, such as teletherapy platforms and mental health trackers, to relieve stress. However, these platforms store highly sensitive personal information, including emotional states, therapy notes, and user routines. If breached, this data can be exploited for blackmail or phishing.
“Trends may evolve rapidly, but cyberthreats remain constant. Whether exploiting Generation Z’s passion for online shopping, leveraging the urgency created by FOMO, or targeting the growing use of mental health apps, cybercriminals are quick to turn popular behaviors into phishing, scams, and data breaches opportunities”, states Fabio Assolini, director of Kaspersky’s Global Research and Analysis Team for Latin America. He gives some tips for young people to protect themselves: “Start by taking control: verify links and websites before entering any data, use strong and unique passwords, and enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security. Pay attention to what you share online and, most importantly, remember that being informed is your best defense. Cybersecurity is not just about responding to threats, it’s about empowering yourself to navigate the digital world with confidence and security”, concludes Assolini.
To maintain security in the digital world, we recommend Generation Z to do the following:
- Know Kaspersky’s new interactive online game – “Case 404” – specifically created to help Generation Z learn the best security strategies in an increasingly vulnerable online world.
- Think before you post: do not share photos that reveal your home, your routine, or your personal details that can be used in password recovery.
- Do not fall for urgent offers and check discounts, pre-sales, or ticket links only through official websites. When shopping online, avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
- Always carefully check the URLs of websites before entering personal information. Cybercriminals tend to mimic brand names or use fake domains.
- Mental health apps store sensitive data, so it is important to choose services with strong privacy policies and not share personal information.
- Use a reliable security solution, such as Kaspersky Premium, to detect malicious attachments that could compromise your data.
- Ensure secure browsing and messaging with Kaspersky VPN, protecting your IP address and preventing data leaks.
