According to the reportReality CheckAccording to Kaspersky, 70% of Millennials occasionally verify the authenticity of their calls, and 64% claim to have encountered someone online whom they believe has distorted or misrepresented their true identity. THEstudyIt also reveals an innocence in the digital behavior of Millennials. Being the first generation to grow up with social media, they are proud of their experiences and technological achievements: 71% believe they are the most digitally knowledgeable members in their families.
According to the study, 14% of Millennials claim to have used a false name, created a fictitious profile, or pretended to be someone else on social media. This statistic highlights a concerning trend: digital forgery is not only the domain of criminals but also a behavior adopted by some people of the generation.
“When we rely solely on our own digital knowledge, we may end up ignoring the possibility that others are not as innocently virtuous as we imagine. In some cases, people with strong narcissistic, psychopathic, or Machiavellian traits exploit this trust through catfishing and other deceptive tactics.affirmsRuth Guest, Cyberpsychologist and Founder of the Social Media Safety GameSersha.
The results of these behaviors are evident, with 38% of the generation reporting negative experiences due to loss of online trust and 68% stating that they are less likely to trust and establish relationships online. Perhaps the most surprising thing is that, despite all this, 44% of respondents still trust the information shared through virtual communities.
As the main digital administrators in households around the world, it is up to the millennials themselves to identify and address the problem of naivety and unwarranted trust within their generation. Their role goes beyond their own use, influencing the online community in general through managing others' digital lives.affirmsMarc Rivero, Lead Security Researcher of the Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT) at Kaspersky.
By taking proactive measures such as identity verification, personal data management, and cybersecurity awareness, Millennials can maintain control over their online security and reduce the risk of deception. The digital habits they cultivate not only protect their own safety but also foster greater care for younger generations and less technologically experienced individuals, reinforcing a culture of vigilance in an increasingly deceptive online landscape.addsRivero.
The recommendations below can help millennials, their families, and friends face risks they may encounter in digital interactions:
- Check identities:perform reverse image searches, cross-check profiles, and conduct video calls to confirm that a person matches the published photos.
- Cross-referencing of information:Check if there are reliable sources that show the shared information to avoid spreading or relating to misinformation.
- Take care of personal information:Limit what can be seen and shared. Be careful with what is on display and adjust privacy settings to limit access to sensitive data.
- Be careful with the location:Posting frequently visited places can inadvertently reveal behavioral patterns. When using location tags, choose broad or non-specific places.
- Pay attention to others' data:When sharing information involving other people, always obtain their consent. Take care of this data with the same level of care and respect as your own.
- Stay informed about digital scams:Always stay informed about the most common online scams and their warning signs, ensuring greater vigilance at all times. The blogKaspersky Dailyoffers updated suggestions for that.
- Use strong passwords:trusted security solutions, such as theKaspersky Password ManagerGenerates secure and unique passwords for each account. Resist the temptation to reuse the same password for more than one account.
- Install updates:Keep applications and software updated to fix security vulnerabilities and ensure optimal security for all devices. Additionally, use antivirus software such as theKaspersky Premiumto protect yourself against threats such as malicious calls and identity theft in real time.
To access the report, go to thelink.
