Gen Z is leading older generations in adopting passkeys, which offer enhanced security against phishing attacks. This younger demographic is more likely to use passkeys, with 40 percent of Gen Z respondents incorporating them into their online security practices. In contrast, individuals over 29 are less inclined to start using this technology. This trend reflects a positive evolution in the approach to online security among younger users.
However, despite this advancement, Gen Z does not rank as the overall best generation for online security practices. Alarmingly, they have the highest percentage of password reusers, at 10 percent. Additionally, many in this generation tend to store passwords in notes on their phones or computers, which poses risks of locking themselves out without an alternative login method. Surprisingly, the second most popular method for remembering passwords among Gen Z is simply memorizing them.
In contrast, older generations, especially Baby Boomers, tend to use strong, unique passwords and are more likely to enable two-factor authentication. Each generation exhibits distinct security habits. Baby Boomers often write down their passwords, a practice that can be insecure unless properly stored. Gen X prefers to maintain a lower online profile, with many having fewer than five accounts.
Millennials mirror Gen Z’s extremes—they have a notable percentage admitting to no security practices and are also prone to reusing passwords but have a significant adoption rate for passkeys at 38 percent. As a whole, all generations share a common concern: the rise of online scams. Approximately 60 percent of survey participants reported an increase in such scams, primarily delivered through text messages and email.