Gen Z Is The Most Digitally Literate, But Falls For Scams The Most. Here’s Why

Research on Phishing Vulnerability Among Generations

Recent research by Yubico highlights an increase in phishing scam interactions among Generation Z compared to other age groups. The survey, conducted by Talker Research across nine countries, was part of Yubico’s 2025 Global State of Authentication report and involved 18,000 adult participants. It revealed that 62% of Gen Z respondents engaged with phishing messages over the past year, a higher percentage than other generations.

Advancements in AI have enhanced the sophistication of phishing scams. According to Yubico, 70% of participants believe these scams have become more successful due to AI, with 78% noting an increase in the sophistication of phishing messages. AI enables the creation of convincing communications and replica websites, complicating the identification of phishing attempts.

The research further assessed cybersecurity training in the workplace. It found that 40% of employees globally have not received cybersecurity training from their employers. Additionally, 62% of companies still primarily rely on usernames and passwords, while only 33% utilize hardware security keys, which Yubico identifies as the most secure option.

There is also a notable overlap between personal and professional online activities, with 40% of employees using personal email on work devices and vice versa, increasing vulnerability to security breaches.

The survey indicated a growing confidence in hardware security tools, with UK belief in these methods rising from 17% in 2024 to 37% in 2025. Comprehensive training on scam recognition is identified as a key factor in improving online safety, though current training inconsistencies remain a challenge.

To enhance security, Yubico advocates for the adoption of phishing-resistant authentication methods and increased cybersecurity education.

Based on reporting by techround.co.uk.