Generation Z grew up connected, shaping digital trends and interacting naturally with social media, online shopping, and new technologies. However, their online habits are being used as bait by cybercriminals to carry out digital scams and malware dissemination. Among the most explored habits are: "the fear of missing out" (FOMO), nostalgic consumption of 2000s culture, and intensive use of mental health apps. To help young people and raise awareness about these risks and encourage safer browsing, Kaspersky launches the interactive game "Case 404" and gathers practical tips to help young people browse more securely. Check below.
Excessive sharing and increase in digital footprint
For Generation Z, sharing moments of their lives online has become part of their daily routine. 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 for identity theft or social engineering attacks.
Kaspersky ResearchIt shows that 58% of Brazilians are concerned about their personal data being leaked, yet there is still excessive sharing of information in the digital environment. This can inadvertently reveal many sensitive details, such as users' houses in the background of photos or their routines, making habits predictable. Even seemingly harmless content, such as a photo of a friend or a pet, can provide clues for password recovery questions.
1. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
FOMO refers to the anxiety or discomfort a person feels about the possibility of not being part of a trend followed by other users on social media. FOMO is a powerful driver for Generation Z, fueled by social media updates about the launch of new products, shows, and events.
Seeing colleagues participate in events, acquire new products, or reach goals can lead to feelings of exclusion. Whether it's the launch of a new iPhone, Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tour" concert tour, or a major sporting event, FOMO can lead users to click on unverified links that promise early access to an event or exclusive offers.
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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 for events, pre-sale schemes for products, and "leaked" privileged information are just some of the tactics used to manipulate users through this fear.
2. Nostalgia for Y2K fashion and early 2000s culture
For Generation Z, born around or after that time, Y2K fashionrepresentsa mixture of nostalgia for a simpler, pre-digital era, and a desire to reinvent these styles with a modern touch. The fascination of Generation Z with early 2000s culture, from Y2K aesthetics to childhood games, has rekindled 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 sites that spread malware. Cybercriminals target this niche of interest by embedding malware into counterfeit 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 instead of fitting in, thus having a constantly changing style – what was in fashion a month ago may no longer be trending.
Your trend-following habits are supported by Fast Fashion retailers that offer affordable ways to change. For example, the giant Chinese fast fashion company, Shein, is loved by Generation Z andadds6 thousand new products to your website/app per day.
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Phishing scheme using a fast shop brand as bait
For Generation Z, Fast Fashion stores are more than just a shopping preference; they are a way of life. 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 downside. Fake shopping sites, fake promotional codes, and phishing ads capitalize on their popularity, using convincing imitations to lure users into entering their sensitive data. The greater the involvement in online shopping, the higher the risk of encountering fake websites and phishing schemes created to steal personal and financial information.
4. iDisorder
Generation Z faces a phenomenon callediDisordera condition in which the brain's ability to process information is altered due to excessive exposure to technology. This obsession with technology can lead to psychological, physical, and social disturbances, including depression and anxiety. This fact is proven by thepublic investigationOne in three young people, between 18 and 24 years old, currently shows symptoms indicating they have already experienced mental health issues of this kind.
That is why peoplethey go throughmore and more digital tools, such as teletherapy 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 they are violated, this data can be exploited for blackmail or phishing.
Trends can evolve quickly, but cyber threats remain constant. Whether it's leveraging Generation Z's passion for online shopping, exploiting the urgency created by FOMO, or targeting the growing use of mental health apps, cybercriminals are quick to turn popular behaviors into opportunities for phishing, scams, and data breaches.affirmsFabio Assolini, Director of the Kaspersky Global Research and Analysis Team for Latin America.
He gives some tips for young people to protect themselves: "CoMECE taking control: check the 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, more importantly, remember that being informed is your best defense. Cybersecurity is not just about responding to threats; it's about empowering oneself to navigate the digital world with confidence and security.concludesAssolini.
To maintain security in the digital world, we recommend that Generation Z do the following:
- Discover 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 posting: do not share photos that reveal your house, your routine, or your personal details that could be used for password recovery.
- Do not fall for urgent offers and only check 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 is important to choose services with strong privacy policies and not share personal information.
- Use a reliable security solution, such as theKaspersky Premiumto detect malicious attachments that may compromise your data.
- Ensure safe browsing and messaging with theKaspersky VPN, protecting your IP address and preventing data leaks.
