A recent Google survey conducted with Morning Consult shows that online scams are on the rise. While most people feel more confident spotting deceitful messages, their security habits differ significantly depending on age (gappsgroup.com, blog.google).
Key Highlights
- Scam activity is climbing fast.
Over 60% of U.S. users report noticing more scams this past year—typically through texts and emails. About one-third have even been affected by data breaches (blog.google). - People are more alert to warning signs.
Around 80% feel confident distinguishing scam attempts by identifying suspicious links, requests for personal data, or urgent messaging (blog.google). - Security habits vary by age.
Older generations (Gen X, Boomers, many Millennials) still rely heavily on passwords and two-factor authentication. Even though they’re aware of newer tools like “Sign in with Google,” only about a third use them regularly (blog.google). - Younger users prefer modern tools.
Gen Z is increasingly ditching passwords in favour of passkeys and social logins—finding them both more secure and user-friendly (blog.google). - Mobile usage reinforces simplification.
Many people, especially younger generations, now spend over five hours daily on their phones, but use fewer than ten different online accounts. This reflects their preference for streamlined login flows using passkeys or trusted platforms (blog.google).
What This Means for You
- Update your defenses.
As scams grow more frequent, deploying tools like Google’s AI-powered filters for blocking phishing and malware is essential. - Make signing in both safe and smooth.
Older users are encouraged to complement old habits (passwords + two-factor authentication) with modern, secure methods—like passkeys and single sign-on (SSO). - Embrace what works best for your age.
Younger users benefit from the ease and safety of passkeys and social sign-ins—they’re smart, fast, and reduce password fatigue. Older users gain from adding them alongside existing methods. - Stay vigilant.
Continue recognizing scam warning signs, keep your tools updated, and lean into automated protections—especially as threats evolve.
By combining smarter habits, cutting-edge technologies, and proactive vigilance, we can all stay one step ahead of scammers in 2025.
