Archive · 29 Aug 2026
APAC Gen Z Spends More Online Amid Mobile Security Gaps
A Kaspersky report studied about 7,200 people around the world.
It found that many young people in the Asia-Pacific region spend more time online than offline.
Most of them use smartphones as their main way to access the internet.
Many Gen Z respondents feel confident using apps and online services.
However, only 26% said their understanding of online dangers was advanced.
Only 22% use antivirus software on their phones, and 35% regularly change their passwords.
At the same time, 90% experienced at least one cyber incident in the previous year.
These incidents included scams, social-media hacks, data leaks and losing access to gaming accounts.
The report said being comfortable online does not always mean knowing how to stay safe.
Fifty-six percent of APAC Gen Z respondents spend more time online than offline.
Smartphones are the main internet device for 75% of APAC Gen Z respondents.
Only 22% use antivirus software on mobile devices, while 35% regularly change passwords.
Ninety percent experienced at least one cyber incident during the previous year.
India had the region’s highest advanced digital-threat awareness rate at 35%, while China recorded 10%.
- Who
- Gen Z respondents in the Asia-Pacific region, surveyed by Kaspersky; Irina Ermilova commented on the findings.
- What
- A Kaspersky report found that APAC Gen Z respondents have high digital confidence but relatively limited use of basic mobile-security practices.
- When
- The report was released on Friday and covered cyber incidents experienced during the previous year.
- Where
- The Asia-Pacific region, with digital-threat awareness comparisons among India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and China.
- Why
- The findings highlight that familiarity with digital services does not necessarily translate into security expertise.
- Survey size
- About 7,200 respondents worldwide were surveyed.
- Time online
- Fifty-six percent of APAC Gen Z respondents spend more time online than offline, compared with 57% globally.
- Main internet device
- Seventy-five percent of APAC Gen Z respondents identify smartphones as their main device for regular internet use.
- Advanced awareness
- Twenty-six percent rate their understanding of digital threats and online safety practices as advanced.
- Mobile antivirus use
- Twenty-two percent use antivirus software on mobile devices.
- Password changes
- Thirty-five percent regularly change their passwords.
- Cyber incidents
- Ninety percent experienced at least one cyber incident in the past year.
