Cyber ​​Security: Guide for New Generations

The adoption of preventive behaviors, capable of protecting the individual, must become the main ally of each of us, from a young age. With minimal effort it is possible to implement a series of small measures capable of making a difference such as, for example, the use of fun but secure passwords, the use of different access codes for the various devices, the start of automatic updates to avoid bugs and vulnerabilities in apps and games, often used even by the little ones.

Generation Z: the most exposed to cyber attacks

Generation Z is the generation of children born between 1996 and 2010, and represents the first generation not to have known the world without the Internet, without digital technologies and environments. A generation that is always connected and has learned to use devices from an early age and to take advantage of all the opportunities that the Internet and social media can offer. A generation that, at least theoretically, should also know the great pitfalls that lie behind the advantages of technology itself. However, technical competence alone is not enough: it is essential to develop so-called social skills, to use these tools in an informed manner, with a critical and constructive spirit that helps users protect themselves from cyber risks.

Recent research by Changes Unipol, conducted in Italy, has defined which generations are most accustomed to suffering cyber attacks: Generation Z (aged 16 to 26) is in first place with a percentage of 32%. It is therefore clear that educate digital natives starting from primary school it would allow us to lay the foundations for a better understanding of the topic of cyber security. Only training aimed at promoting the conscious use of digital tools can reduce cyber threats.
Family and school should collaborate with the common goal of bridging the gap between digital progress and the IT skills of the youngest and most vulnerable users.

The pandemic has, unfortunately, provided fertile ground for cyber threats.
The introduction of distance learning (DaD) and all the digital tools aimed at promoting remote schooling has increased the number of pupils and teachers connected to school networks with the consequent increase in IT vulnerabilities. In fact, the data reports that in 2021 and 2022 the Education/Research sector recorded the highest volume of monthly attacks globally.

Hence the increasingly pressing need to integrate digital security within a school curriculum that aims to enhance students’ skills not only from a professional point of view, but also from a personal one. Even if today, fortunately, DaD is no longer mandatory, it does not mean that young people, or schools, are less exposed. There are many latest generation digital tools that will continue to be used in school education. As a result, hackers have more and more ‘room’ to infiltrate school computer networks.

Approach IT security even without being technical experts

You need to be aware that not everyone can and should have the skills of a computer engineer but, depending on the age group, having the correct tools is essential for the protection of your sensitive data. A first approach to cyber security in fact, it can already take place in primary school, introducing basic IT security topics, such as:

• Privacy;
• Responsible use of the Internet;
• Device security settings;
• Advice on cyber bullying.

We need to create awareness of the fact that each of us can, and must, act personally to counter cyber attacks.

For secondary schools, when users begin to make massive (and often excessive) use of devices connected to the Internet, it is useful to suggest in-depth courses and lessons to learn about the most common cyber threats, such as phishing and account theft, and understand how to prevent them.
Once you have acquired the basic knowledgeit will be up to the children to put them into practice, for example by avoiding downloading attachments from unknown email addresses, avoiding connecting to unprotected public Wi-Fi, surfing only on encrypted websites, but also learning to recognize fake news, trying to constantly protect their ‘digital identity’ to safeguard their reputation and avoid economic or legal damage, and so on.
It is therefore clear that training, in the IT sector today more than ever, must be continuously updated. Only in this way is it possible to keep pace – very quickly – with digital innovation.

In Conclusion

In addition to learning to protect ourselves and our information by adopting simple but important security measures (using the screen lock on your phone or PC, keeping your antivirus software updated, creating effective passwords, etc.), young people, entrepreneurs and professionals can safeguard their data by adopting a Cyber ​​Risk policy. This coverage allows the insured to protect himself from cyber attacks and the resulting expenses and losses of data and confidential information. Furthermore, this guarantee provides expert intervention for the recovery of lost data and for decontamination from any malware. All these are services included in the Smart version, which has a maximum limit of up to €25 thousand. Lokky also offers its customers the possibility of taking out a Top version of the policy, which provides for an increase in the limit up to €250 thousand and the inclusion of numerous additional guarantees, including a daily allowance for business interruption and coverage of expenses for restoring the company’s image.