Gen Z digital behaviors have become a gateway for cybercriminals

Gen Z grew 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 perpetrate digital scams and spread malware. Among the most exploited habits are: the "fear of missing out" (FOMO), the nostalgic consumption of 2000s culture, and the intense use of mental health apps. To help young people and raise awareness of these risks and encourage safer browsing, Kaspersky is launching the interactive game "Case 404" and is compiling practical tips to help young people navigate more securely. Check them out below.

Over-sharing and increased digital footprint

For Generation Z, sharing life moments online has become part of their daily routine. Social media platforms are brimming with geo-tagged selfies, daily updates, and personal data. However, this constant sharing creates a digital footprint that can be exploited by cybercriminals for identity theft or social engineering attacks.

Kaspersky Research It shows that 581 out of every 1,000 Brazilians are worried about their personal data being leaked, and yet there is excessive sharing of information in the digital environment. This can inadvertently reveal many sensitive details, such as users' homes in the background of photographs or their routines, making habits predictable. Even seemingly harmless content, such as a photograph of a friend or pet, can provide clues for password recovery questions.

1. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

FOMO refers to the anxiety or discomfort a person feels at the possibility of missing out on a trend followed by other users on social media. FOMO is a powerful driver for Generation Z, fueled by social media updates on the release of new products, shows, and events.

Seeing colleagues participate in events, acquire new products, or achieve goals can lead to feelings of exclusion. Whether it's the launch of a new iPhone, Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tour," or a major sporting event, FOMO can lead users to click on unverified links promising early access to an event or exclusive offers.

Example of a phishing page with a fake offer for the new iPhone 16 Pro Max

Cybercriminals exploit this urgency through phishing and clickbait schemes, leading users to malicious websites that steal login credentials and distribute malware. Fake event tickets, product pre-sale schemes, and leaked "insider" information are just some of the tactics used to manipulate users through this fear.

2. Y2K Fashion and Early 2000s Culture Nostalgia

For Generation Z, born around or after that time, Y2K fashion represents A blend of nostalgia for a simpler, pre-digital era and a desire to reinvent those styles with a modern twist. Gen 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.

Although these games evoke nostalgia, the search for unofficial downloads often leads users to websites that spread malware. Cybercriminals target this niche interest, embedding malicious software in counterfeit game files. What seems like a "trip down memory lane" can result in compromised devices or stolen data.

3. Fast Fashion Stores

Gen Z loves expressive clothing. You want to stand out, not fit in, resulting in a constantly evolving style – what was trendy a month ago might not be anymore.

Your trend-chasing habits are supported by fast fashion retailers offering affordable ways to change. For example, the large Chinese fast fashion giant, Shein, is adored by Generation Z and adds 6 million new products to your website/app per day.

Phishing scheme using a fast-shop brand as bait

For Generation Z, fast fashion stores are more than just a shopping preference; they're a lifestyle. Brands like Shein, ASOS, and Fashion Nova offer affordable prices and instant gratification, making them essential to this generation. However, this fascination with these brands has a dark side. Fake shopping sites, counterfeit promotional codes, and phishing ads capitalize on their popularity, using convincing imitations to trick users into entering their sensitive data. The greater the online shopping engagement, the higher the risk of encountering fake websites and phishing schemes designed to steal personal and financial information.

4. Disorder

Generation Z faces a phenomenon called iDisorder...a condition in which the brain's ability to process information is altered due to excessive exposure to technology. This obsession with technology can result in psychological, physical, and social disturbances, including depression and anxiety. This fact is proven by... Public investigationOne in three young people, aged 18 to 24, currently exhibits symptoms indicating they have previously experienced mental health problems.

That's why people The Portuguese word "recorrem" can have several translations depending on the context. Here are a few possibilities: * **They resort to:** This is suitable if the sentence describes people using a particular method or resource. * **They appeal to:** This works well if the context is legal or involves a formal request for a decision. * **They run to:** This is appropriate if the sentence describes people physically running to a location. * **They go to:** This is a more general translation and might fit if the context is unclear. * **They recur:** This fits if the context is about something happening repeatedly. To give you the most accurate translation, please provide the full sentence or paragraph where "recorrem" is used. Increasingly, people are using digital tools, such as telehealth platforms and mental health trackers, to alleviate stress. However, these platforms store highly sensitive personal information, including emotional states, therapy notes, and users' routines. If breached, this data could be exploited for blackmail or phishing.

Trends may evolve rapidly, but cyber threats remain constant. Whether leveraging Gen Z's passion for online shopping, exploiting the urgency created by FOMO, or targeting the rising use of mental health apps, cybercriminals are quick to transform popular behaviors into opportunities for phishing, scams, and data breaches. affirms Fabio Assolini, Head of Kaspersky's Global Research and Analysis Team for Latin America.
He gives some tips for young people to protect themselves: "CoTaking control of your cybersecurity: 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 isn't just about responding to threats; it's about empowering yourself to navigate the digital world with confidence and security. concludes There is no direct translation for "Assolini" as it's not a standard Portuguese word. It's likely a proper noun (a name or place) or a misspelling. More context is needed for an accurate translation.

To maintain safety in the digital world, we recommend that Generation Z do the following:

• Meet Kaspersky's new interactive online game – Case 404 – specifically designed to help Generation Z learn the best security strategies in an increasingly vulnerable online world.
• Think before you post: don't share photos that reveal your home, your routine, or personal details that could be used to recover your passwords.
• Don't fall for urgent offers and only verify discounts, pre-sales, or ticket links through official websites. When shopping online, avoid offers that seem "too good to be true."
• Always carefully check website URLs before entering personal information. Cybercriminals tend to imitate brand names or use fake domains.
• Mental health apps store sensitive data, so it's important to choose services with strong privacy policies and not share personal information.

• Use a trusted security solution, such as Kaspersky Premiumto detect malicious attachments that could compromise your data.
• Ensure safe browsing and messaging with the Kaspersky VPN, protecting your IP address and preventing data leaks.