Millennials and Gen Z don't protect their passwords, says new study
New data shows that 92% of Americans claim they care about their online security.
But when it comes to actually protecting it, they are often careless with their data and passwords -- especially Millennials and Gen Z.
A recent survey from iProov, a biometric authentication company, found that close to half of Millennials (44%) and Gen Zers (49%) have given their passwords to someone else to access their accounts.
Additionally, the study found:
● 73% of Gen Zers (18-24) recycle a few different passwords for all their online accounts or have just one for everything
● 16% of Americans have even used a photo or video of someone to try to gain access to an account using facial recognition
● Over half of Millennials (55%) and Gen Zers (51%) have shared their mobile passwords with their significant others
● Data security concern is highest among seniors (Americans 65+) at 97%
iProov is a biometric authentication company helping organizations like the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the NHS and the UK Home Office. This research comes on the heels of iProov’s partnership with the NHS to improve users’ remote onboarding experience on Android and iOS.
“These survey results underscore the fact that passwords have simply outlived their utility,” said Andrew Bud, CEO of iProov. “You wouldn’t have the same key to your house, your car and every building you ever need to go into. But it’s also not possible to remember different passwords for every single site you use. So, Americans are recycling and sharing passwords because they want a convenient way to access their accounts. Biometric authentication is the modern replacement for keys.”
It seems younger Americans are also more cavalier than older adults about accessing other people’s accounts—with or without permission.
A full half of Americans (50%) have accessed someone else’s account using their password. The minority who have done so without permission include:
● 9% of Americans younger than 44, compared to just 2% of Americans 45+
● About twice as many men (7%) as women (4%).
Shockingly, 16% of Americans have even used a photo or video of someone to try to gain access to an account using facial recognition. This includes more than a quarter (26%) of Americans aged 25-44 and nearly 1 in 5 (18%) Americans aged 18-24.
“iProov technology is a safe and secure way to identify yourself without using a password,” added Bud. “Copies of your face, like photos, videos or deepfakes, won't work. This is what iProov Genuine Presence Assurance provides that other biometric technology does not - not only does it check that you’re the right person, but it also checks that you’re a real human being and authenticating yourself right now.”