Cyber Moment

By Mike Pfeiffer, Cyberfyfe LLC. 

Welcome to our series where we explore the unique cybersecurity challenges and strategies tailored to different generations.  From the Greatest Generation to the up-and-coming Gen Alpha, digital threats vary just as widely as each generation’s comfort and familiarity with technology.  In this series, we’ll delve into how cybersecurity risks shift across age groups, highlight the primary targets for cybercriminals, and offer generation-specific advice to safeguard digital lives.  Here are common generational definitions:

• The Greatest Generation – born 1901-1924

• The Silent Generation – born 1925-1945

• The Baby Boomers – born 1946-1964

• Generation X – born 1965-1979

• Millennials – born 1980-1994

• Generation Z – born 1995-2012

• Gen Alpha – born 2013 – 2025

Generation inclusion is based on the year of birth and is a broad generalization.  As with most generalizations, there are exceptions that impact fit into a generational group such as military service, borderline birth year, or living abroad.  For example, these exceptions may cause a Gen X person to exhibit generational tendencies of a Baby Boomer or a Millennial to identify more like a Gen Z.

Millennials Parenting Gen Z: 

Cyber Talks for Digital Natives

Millennials, the first generation to grow up with the internet at their fingertips, are now parenting Gen Z, the true digital natives.  This dynamic brings unique challenges as these younger users navigate an even more connected world.  Here are key points for Millennial parents to address the cybersecurity risks their Gen Z children face:

1. Social Media Savvy:  Teach them about the risks of oversharing.  Personal information, such as location, travel plans, or even full names, can be used by cyber predators.  Encourage privacy settings checks and thoughtful sharing.  Shared photos can follow them even if deleted, too.

2. Scam Recognition:  Gen Z spends a significant time online and can be targeted by scams tailored to their interests, like exclusive video gaming content or social media contests.  Discuss how to spot red flags, such as offers that require personal details or payment to participate.

3. Secure Practices:  Despite their tech-savviness, Gen Z might overlook basic security practices. Stress the importance of strong, unique passwords for each account, the use of two-factor authentication, and the regular updating of apps and software to protect against vulnerabilities.

4. Sexual Extortion:  Commonly called sextortion, this involves criminals coaxing young individuals into sharing intimate photos or videos, and then blackmailing them for money or more images under the threat of public exposure.   It’s crucial to promote open communication about the dangers of sharing personal content and photos.  Additionally, educational programs, often offer by their school, that teach young people to recognize and report these threats can be effective.

Preview of Upcoming Sessions

In our next installments, we’ll tackle other generational pairings:

•Gen X Aiding Baby Boomers Parents

•Gen Z Guiding Gen Alpha Kids

Visit cyberfyfe.com to weigh in online or suggest more generational pairings to cover.  Stay tuned, stay safe, and let’s make sure every generation in your family is CyberSafe!