In 2024, no generation remained untouched by the surge in cyber threats. From geopolitical tensions to increasingly sophisticated attacks targeting consumers, critical sectors, and essential infrastructure – the world operated under heightened digital risk. A sharp rise in phishing campaigns that bypass outdated multi-factor authentication methods, paired with the expanding use of AI-driven threats, resulted in a record number of successful compromises.

As threats continue to evolve into early 2025, rethinking security practices and building a cohesive, proactive approach to data protection has become essential – both professionally and personally. A clear understanding of cybersecurity’s impact, from its strengths to the areas that need improvement, is vital for building resilience. Yubico contributed meaningfully to this effort by publishing the 2024 Global Authentication Report, offering an in-depth look at modern cybersecurity realities. The study outlines how individuals and organizations around the world approach authentication and examines the growing risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence in cyberattacks.

To provide deeper insight, the research highlights generational and age-related differences among survey participants. The report reflects global trends as well as unique behavioral patterns tied to each generation’s approach to data protection. Notably, Gen Z demonstrates the highest awareness of everyday cyber risks, which translates into more responsible security behavior.

Key global findings across generations include:

• Nearly half of Gen Z (47%) and millennials (46%) have experienced password compromises on social media.
• Gen Z and millennials are adopting hardware security keys more actively, moving away from traditional passwords.
• 42% of respondents across all generations doubt that organizations are doing enough to safeguard their data.
• 73% of Gen Z are most concerned about the impact of AI on cyberattacks, noting the rise in digital fraud.
• Gen Z uses MFA almost 20% more frequently than baby boomers and Gen X.
• Nearly half of baby boomers still consider usernames and passwords an effective protection method, while only 35% of Gen Z agree.

Yubico’s Chief Brand Ambassador, Ronnie Manning, highlighted the shifting mindset around cybersecurity across all age groups:

“Perceptions of cybersecurity are changing globally, reflected in major trends – declining trust in passwords and growing adoption of modern authentication tools, especially hardware security keys. Gen Z shows the highest level of concern for their digital safety, but the importance of cybersecurity is rising across all generations. As sophisticated threats like phishing continue to dominate headlines, people are bringing MFA beyond the workplace and into their personal lives, becoming more aware of modern solutions such as passkeys. These trends point to a developing culture of security, where awareness and proactive behavior are becoming the norm.”

As these generational differences reveal broader global trends and attitudes toward digital protection, understanding the risks and defenses against increasingly sophisticated attacks – including phishing – becomes crucial. This means not only learning about available cybersecurity tools but also calling on employers and trusted services to adopt stronger authentication methods, such as hardware security keys.

Yubico’s Vice President of Standards and Alliances, Derek Hanson, shared several security recommendations for 2025:

• Review your frequently used online accounts and enable MFA wherever possible to make phishing attacks harder to execute. A hardware security key, such as YubiKey, is considered the “gold standard” for phishing-resistant protection and works across hundreds of apps and services.
• Always verify the sender’s email address to confirm authenticity. If anything seems suspicious, reach out to the organization directly to validate the message.
• Use a password manager to generate and securely store unique passwords for all your accounts.

As cyber threats grow more advanced, data protection becomes a critical responsibility for both organizations and individuals. Gen Z sets a positive example with its security-conscious mindset, but real progress depends on shared responsibility – from companies deploying innovative technologies like those developed by Yubico to people choosing stronger authentication methods in their daily lives. Only a comprehensive, collective approach can ensure resilience in the digital world of tomorrow.