Generational Gap in Cybersecurity Education: from silent generation to generation Z
Description
Generational Gap in Cybersecurity Education: from silent generation to generation Z
The application of security practices remains the best weapon to deal with the increase in cybersecurity threats. Throughout the ages and times, not all generations have paid the same attention to these practices, and to the challenges of cybersecurity. The generational gap in cybersecurity education is a complex phenomenon that is constantly evolving, reflecting rapid advances in technology and how we interact with these changes.
From the silent generation to the Z generation, many technological advances have shaken our habits, upheavals that involve new dangers, which we have not all taken into account in the same way. Let’s immediately discover an overview of how each generation has approached cybersecurity.
Silent Generation, Baby Boomers and Generation X
The silent generation, concerning people born before 1946, witnessed the beginnings of the technological revolution, although it has less practical experience in information and communication technologies. Cybersecurity education was not a common topic, and few people have a deep understanding of the threats that exist online. For this generation, notions of cybersecurity may seem abstract, even if their awareness becomes crucial as society’s digitalisation.
On the side of baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, a significant increase in the use of computers and early forms of networks has improved knowledge of cybersecurity practices. Although the skills gap remains present, this generation has generally had more opportunities to acquire basic technological skills. However, the increasing complexity of online threats requires continuous adaptation of this knowledge, so as to remain protected in an increasingly connected world. This is a point where baby boomers can face problems, because they don't see current technology as suitable for all ages, making it more difficult to detect emerging cyber threats.
Next comes Generation X, which concerns people born between 1965 and 1980. This generation witnessed the emergence of the Internet and the first computer viruses. Cybersecurity education is a topic that is for the first time integrated into training, although there is still a lack of specialised skills. However, Gen X members have considerable professional experience, and are able to balance their digital and analog worlds because of their knowledge of a world without and with the Internet. Their biggest challenge is to establish collaboration at work, and the application of hierarchical cybersecurity guidelines.
Cybersecurity in Generations Y and Z
Generation Y, or millennials (1981-1996), grew up with the Internet and the development of social networks, so it has a deep awareness of cybersecurity issues. The [millennials](https://media.profilpublic.fr/blog/fonction-publique-comment-recruter-les-millennials/) are big tech enthusiasts, 44 % of digital nomads are believed to belong to Generation Y, which happens to be the most present generation in the labour market today. Even though cybersecurity education has been better integrated, millennials may also be more likely to take risks online because of their familiarity with technology. The challenge lies in promoting responsible use of the Internet while avoiding risky behaviour.
In addition, Generation Y demonstrates a tendency to prefer a fluid experience to the complexity of safety. Users would be more tempted to prefer simplicity to security when it comes to managing their sensitive data. Because of their great digital habit, they would also be less vigilant when it comes to data privacy.
Finally, Generation Z, which concerns people born after 1997, grew up in the digital world, giving it an intuitive understanding of technology and its many challenges. The flip side of the coin is also more present in this generation, which may feel a lack of control over privacy, pushing users to draw attention to how digital culture can alter our well-being. However, Gen Z would be even more likely to favour convenience over security, due to the feeling of powerlessness felt in the face of the risks of [cybersecurity](https://www.cybermalveillance.gouv.fr/).
Even if each generation encounters its own cybersecurity challenges, some practices can benefit everyone, such as using reinforced passwords or a [VPN on iPhone](https://nordvpn.com/fr/download/ios/), Android or any other device.
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