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Gen Z is the least aware of online security risks despite being the most digitally literate, a survey finds.
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Business owners put cyber security novices in front line
17 January 2023
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12 minute read
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Business owners are offloading responsibility for cyber security on to Gen Zs in the mistaken belief they are best to handle it, according to a survey by the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia.
COSBOA’s Cyber Wardens program found two-thirds of business owners incorrectly equated Gen Z tech savviness with cyber security skills and awareness, and had outsourced tech support and social media to younger employees or family members.
However, the first generation of digital natives - born after 1997 and who have never known a world without smartphones and the internet - are also least aware of common cyber security threats such as identity theft, ransomware, and phishing according to the survey.
It found that Gen Zers were the most likely to underestimate the vulnerability and risk cyber security threats presented for small businesses while Gen Xers (in their mid-40s and above) and Millennials in their 30s were most likely to take digital threats seriously.
COSBOA chairman Matthew Addison said the habit of putting the youngest team members in the cyber security front line was cause for concern.
“A good first step is taking stock of who is responsible for your business’ cyber protection,” said Mr Addison.
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“Don’t just assume your kids or younger employees are the safest pair of hands when it comes to online activity.”
Offloading the responsibility to younger employees was likely due to the low number of business owners and employees confident of their ability to prepare for, fight, and recover from a cyber threat according to the Cyber Wardens survey - just one in five.
Although being the least aware of the risks, the survey found that over half (55 per cent) of Gen Z employees were keen to learn more about cyber safety and improve their skills by participating in the Cyber Wardens program.
CBA chief information security officer Keith Howard said the Cyber Wardens program would provide small business owners and employees the tools to stay safe online.
“With a focus on practical behavioural change rather than technical jargon, Cyber Wardens will arm small business employees and owners with simple steps to protect their personal and professional lives online,” said Mr Howard.
Telstra small and medium business executive Anne Da Cunha said keeping small businesses safe online was critical.
“Australian small business owners have done it tough the past few years, emerging from COVID, navigating global supply chain issues and for some the impacts of natural disasters, the last thing they need is a cyber attack or scam to contend with.”
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