The “version history” of the internet was split by what we could do online—simple browsing across Web 1.0’s static web pages, instant connection throughout Web 2.0’s social platforms, and, into the future, potential new forms of ownership within Web 3.0’s dreams of decentralization.<\/p>\n
But, as Malwarebytes has uncovered in new research, what we can do online produces its own, generational byproduct: Fear.<\/p>\n
Gen Z, unlike any other age group, is most afraid of a vindictive internet that obtains their private photos and videos—and any personal details about sexual activity and mental health—and exposes it online for all to see. More than half worry that such exposure could hurt their relationships with family and friends (54%), and more than a third fear that it could lead to being bullied (36%) and physically harmed (34%).<\/p>\n
These are some of the findings from Malwarebytes’ new research survey, “Everyone’s afraid of the internet and no one’s sure what to do about it.”<\/a><\/p>\n By polling 1,000 internet users aged 13 – 77 in North America, Malwarebytes can now reveal, across all age groups and not just for Gen Z:<\/p>\n The internet is a constantly evolving space, and with new users—including many who are younger than the internet itself—the concerns, behaviors, and precautions around it will change. “Everyone’s afraid of the internet and no one’s sure what to do about it” provides an in-depth exploration into how people of all age groups approach their time online.<\/p>\n At first glance, the findings may look dour. The number of people who repeat passwords is too high. The number of people who use antivirus is too low.<\/p>\n And yet, within the data, there is opportunity.<\/p>\n Consider this: 41% of people said they “don’t fully understand how different cybersecurity products can protect me,” and 37% said “cybersecurity products only really help with things like viruses and malware.”<\/p>\n The next step, as usual, is education. Cybersecurity tools today provide far more protection against modern threats like malvertising and phishing, while related tools in online privacy can prevent online tracking.<\/p>\n We have the answers to safety. We can get there together.<\/p>\n Read the report<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/blog.malwarebytes.com\/feed\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\n