Align Workplace Cybersecurity for Gen Z

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Recent studies suggest that Gen Z workers, not Baby Boomers, are the most vulnerable to cybercrime in the workplace.

May 21, 2024

Cybersecurity

Recent studies suggest that Gen Z workers, not Baby Boomers, are the most vulnerable to cybercrime in the workplace. Gen Z generally is online more, using more apps and sharing more personal information in the process than other contemporary generations, tech analysts say.

Why should these dynamics matter to leaders of small to medium-sized businesses? Because of two other trends recently uncovered by researchers:

  • The job-search platform Glassdoor predicts Gen Z will make up a larger portion of the U.S. workforce than Baby Boomers for the first time this year. 
  • The same study found that a third of Gen Zers prefer hybrid working models and as many as three-quarters of them are willing to quit over such issues.

Retaining Gen Z talent will require companies to manage increasing cyber risk. Here’s our checklist for aligning cybersecurity practices with an increasingly mobile team:

  1. Assess Readiness

    1. Audit devices
    2. Verify internet connections and network accessibility
    3. Implement collaboration tools

  2. Review Policies

    1. Acceptable use of devices
    2. Levels of privilege for access
    3. Response to breaches

  3. Establish Safeguards

    1.  Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for devices
    2. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for access
    3. Continuous monitoring for incursions


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