Youth More Vulnerable to Online Frauds

A latest study conducted by security firm Wombat Security Technologies on the staff, faculty and students of 515 Carnegie Mellon University (US) suggests that although youth may be more techno-savvy regarding Web usage, the older people are smarter in curbing the online hackers.

As part of the study, participants were sent forged phishing mails that carried a potentially malicious URL that required to be clicked on. On clicking the URL, the participants were shown cartoons informing them about phishing and how to lessen similar phishing attacks in coming times. All participants were sent three authentic and seven simulated spear phishing mails in the span of 28 days.

In order to find out the role age factor plays in a user's susceptibility to phishing attacks, the researchers examined the users' demographics. Their observation revealed that people in the age group of 18-25 years were more vulnerable to phishing attacks as compared to the older people. However, all of the age groups highlight an increasing level of susceptibility with the average chances of a user falling for a spear phishing assault at 46.4%.

Besides the abovementioned survey, a survey published by security company Javelin Strategy & Research in February 2010 discovered that ID theft indulging young adults remain untraceable for a longer period of time as compared to attacks directed at older users. The survey also stated that as against other age groups, the consumer aged 18-24 years (known as millennials) take almost double time to identify fraud. This makes young adults victims of fraud for a longer time.

On a concluding note, security experts opine that prohibiting youngsters from Web usage is not the ultimate solution as youth are more vulnerable to harmful activities while online. Rather, they should be made aware to proceed carefully when online and to keep in mind the age restrictions. Further, they should be encouraged not to disclose their private details easily and to be responsible publishers. Youngsters should understand that everyone online is not legitimate, there may be fraudsters masquerading as legitimate users but actually doing malicious activities online.

Related article: Youth’s Bank Account Used in Transferring Phished Funds

» SPAMfighter News - 5/12/2010