Cybersecurity and the Millennial… Apathy?

Last week I was tasked with completing an assignment as part of a media planning course and came across something that made me speechless.  It appears that regardless of what threats exist, millennials are less than safe in their habits online. So what in the world is going on?

We need to consider first, where your average millennial is coming from.  I don’t mean what location they are in, even if surveyors are interested, but rather their generational region.  You would be hard pressed to find a millennial who is not versed in technology in some form.

Statistically speaking, 92% of the millennial generation own a smartphone, 64% own a tablet, and 85% use social media.  Theoretically, you would think they were the most security conscious of all, but as already stated, it isn’t true.

It is a well-known fact that when millennials need to get something done, the smart phone is the first thing that comes out.  Want a pizza?  Load up the app and put in that order!  Need to check on the bank account balance?  “Where is my banking app?” Need a new outfit or shoes for a particular event?  Time for Amazon.

Of course, for any of us that are up to date on current trends, we are all about our phones too.  Our cell phones are an inseparable part of us so it does make sense.  However, we are sometimes so caught up in the digital age that we forget what issues could be involved.  Worse yet, we don’t think about it at all.

Having been raised in the tech era as millennials have, the fact is that apathy is not uncommon.  According to Forbes, having grown up in a time when social media was being born, they are more connected online than anyone else.

So what is the point in me saying all of this?  As a millennial, try to be more mindful of your online activities and what all you do on your cell phones.  At this point, I am going to open the informational group to anyone reading this article who utilizes technology.  I chose to mention the millennial’s first because it was extremely shocking to know how lax they were in their security.

BUT, it wasn’t all bad…  Millennials were more likely to figure out the specific things they needed to watch out for.    As an example, during the Target breach, everyone was worried about security issues regarding debit and credit cards.  Used cash, problem solved.

Instead of being worried the world is out to get you (I suppose it could be, but…) consider the issues at hand.  I have written in past articles about things you can do to secure your mobile devices, cell phones, accounts, and even computers.  This is where focusing on the issue at hand becomes valuable.

Update your software/applications!  Don’t wait for an issue to arise.  If you stay current on all of your software then you are less likely to be an unfortunate victim of credit card/personal information theft, or flat out identity theft.  Updates are built with security patches in place as hacks are identified and released as soon as possible to prevent further exploitation.

Pay attention to notifications in your workplace or school emails.  Most often, if there have been any scams being passed around, you can find the information there to become more aware of the possible threat being posed to you.  Often these emails are sent as a form of phishing in an attempt to get valuable information or access to your own bank account.  Don’t get fooled.

Watch the video below for valuable information on how to recognize a scam email and what phishing is and what it looks like.

Use two-factor authentication!  I have said it before and I will say it again:  the more factors it takes to access, the less chance someone has to get your personal information.  It doesn’t take long and most sites and applications will ask you if you want to set it up.  You can look at my post here to find out more about two-factor authentication and how to set it up on some popular sites.

Think before you post.  While that selfie with your friends at the bar while in Orlando visiting City Walk sounds great, wait to post it until you get home.  I know it sounds crazy, but it is an instant bulletin letting everyone who has access to your social media know that you aren’t home.  I am not one to judge, but there are those out there who feel it would be a perfect time to make an unexpected visit to your home with unsavory ideas in mind.

Think twice about posting those pictures of you in compromising positions…  In general, just do it.  Seriously.  It will not help you when you try to get a job.  Just saying.

Lock your devices!  I don’t know how many times I have forgotten my phone in a location.  You never know when it is going to happen, only that if it hasn’t, it will.  If you need some information on how to better protect your phone you can check out my article titled: Cybersecurity: Dude! Where’s My Phone?

It may be true that millennials are a little too lax sometimes, but they are aware of the dangers of using the same passwords over and over again.  They have also learned to zero in on the issues at hand and not live in paranoia.  Overall, we are all in need of a reminder every now and again and this time is no different.

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