A new study by Kaspersky highlights a growing awareness of online safety within families, while also revealing significant gaps in the full adoption of digital protection measures.
According to the research, 47% of families regularly discuss online safety, yet only 33% ensure that all family devices are secured with cybersecurity solutions. The findings underscore the increasing importance of proactive digital protection at the household level.
The Role of “Family Digital Managers”
The study notes that in many households, one or two individuals take on the role of “Family Digital Managers,” responsible for managing devices, subscriptions, and cybersecurity practices.
Kaspersky’s data shows that families are increasingly adopting educational and preventive approaches, including:
- 47% coaching children and elderly relatives on safe online behavior
- 45% recommending password managers
- 42% encouraging multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- 42% actively managing privacy settings across devices and accounts
Despite this, 10% of respondents reported taking no cybersecurity measures at all for their families.
Parental Control Tools Widely Used
Among families with children under 18, 67% use parental control applications to monitor and manage online activity.
Tools such as Kaspersky Safe Kids help restrict access to inappropriate content, manage screen time, and track device location, offering an additional layer of protection for younger users in an increasingly connected environment.
Device Protection Remains Incomplete
One of the most concerning findings is that only 33% of respondents install security solutions across all family devices, including smartphones, tablets, and PCs.
Cybersecurity experts emphasize that all connected devices are potential targets for cyberattacks, making comprehensive protection essential rather than optional.
The study also found that only 30% of respondents take responsibility for setting up new devices for their families. Security experts recommend installing protection software during initial setup and reviewing privacy settings before use to reduce exposure to hidden threats.
Generational Gap in Cybersecurity Awareness
The research also highlights a generational divide in cybersecurity habits. Among respondents aged 55 and above:
- 21% take no protective measures for their families
- Only 24% install security solutions for family devices
- 40% recommend using password managers as their primary safety tool
This indicates that older generations are less likely to adopt comprehensive cybersecurity practices compared to younger users.
Expert Perspective on Rising Cyber Risks
Brandon Muller, Technical Expert at Kaspersky, noted that the increasing number of connected devices and online services expands the potential attack surface for cybercriminals.
He emphasized that the concept of a “Family Digital Manager” can play a crucial role in protecting children and elderly users, helping families adopt trusted security solutions and maintain safer digital environments.
About the Study
The research was conducted in November 2025 by Kaspersky’s market research center, involving 3,000 respondents across 15 countries, including Argentina, Germany, India, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates.
