FOMO, Filters And Fraud: Cybercriminals Target Gen Z's Digital Life
Cybercriminals are increasingly leveraging Gen Z's online behaviours — including trend-chasing, social media oversharing and digital nostalgia — to carry out phishing, scams and data breaches, according to cybersecurity firm Kaspersky.
The firm warns that the hyperconnectivity and digital-first lifestyle of Gen Z is creating fertile ground for cyberthreats. From fake shopping sites to malware-laced retro games, attackers are turning popular digital habits into exploitable attack vectors. In response, Kaspersky has launched Case 404 , an interactive AI-led cybersecurity game aimed at raising awareness among Gen Z about the risks hidden in everyday online activities.
Kaspersky flagged oversharing as a major vulnerability, noting that routine social media posts on platforms like TikTok and Instagram can reveal sensitive personal information. Even casual posts showing home interiors, daily routines or pet names could be weaponised in social engineering attacks or password recovery exploits.
The phenomenon of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) is also being manipulated through clickbait phishing campaigns. Cybercriminals replicate exclusive concert ticket offers or fake product launches — such as new iPhones or event pre-orders — luring victims into revealing credentials or downloading malware.
Meanwhile, the revival of Y2K fashion and interest in early-2000s games has exposed Gen Z to threats via counterfeit downloads. Fake versions of nostalgic titles like The Sims 2 and Bratz Rock Angelz are being embedded with malicious software, compromising users' devices.
Fast fashion platforms have also become hotspots for phishing schemes. The popularity of retailers such as Shein and Fashion Nova is being mimicked through scam websites and fake promo codes, designed to harvest financial and personal data under the guise of limited-time offers.
Beyond consumerism, the rising use of mental health apps among Gen Z — driven by digital dependency and stress-related conditions such as iDisorder — presents another risk. These platforms store highly sensitive personal data that, if breached, could be exploited for phishing or blackmail.
Kaspersky advises users to verify links before clicking, avoid oversharing online, and ensure strong password hygiene with two-factor authentication. With Gen Z's digital engagement only set to grow, the firm underlines the importance of staying informed as the first line of defence against cyberthreats. Related
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