A new study, conducted on behalf of cybersecurity firm Norton, has revealed that younger generations are not as concerned about online stalking as they should, putting them at increased risk of becoming a victim of scams.
As much as 34% and 35% of Gen Z (18-25) and Millennials (26-42) said they weren’t concerned about online stalking by a current or former partner, a stark contrast to just 10% of older people Adults (58+) who would be concerned.
Ahead of Valentine’s Day, the study also revealed some of the most common types of online stalking and explained how affected individuals may be more vulnerable to cybersecurity issues.
online stalking
Three of the most popular methods exploit vulnerabilities that users have planted on themselves with their smartphones. You check messages, calls and photos; browsing search history; and location tracking with apps like Find My.
While it may start with “curious” searches, Norton states that this could quickly lead to the installation of stalkerware and creepware apps to secretly monitor activity. More than one in eight Americans is unfamiliar with this type of software, which Norton says represents a huge opportunity for education.
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Away from our own families and relationships (past or present), the study also found that online scams related to dating or romance are so frighteningly common that a quarter of Americans have fallen victim to them. More than half (53%) of these victims also suffered financial losses, averaging $230 per capita, while as many as one in 10 Americans were also fished.
Norton Labs Senior Technical Director Kevin Roundy said:
“We strongly encourage protecting your devices and personal information to protect your privacy, which can be critical not only to your cybersecurity but also to your physical and mental well-being.”
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