Abstract:

This research focuses on cybersecurity self-efficacy (CSE), the belief in one's own capabilities to adopt safe cybersecurity habits; as an important element affecting cyber-security resilience. Yet the generational variations of CSE remain uninvestigated. In this study, we explore CSE, risk perception and attitudes toward digital financial services differences between Gen Z individuals (18-26) and older people (60+) by administering a targeted quantitative survey (N=307). The key finding is that Gen Z significantly outperforms older adults regarding CSE, with older individuals generally showing higher risk perception, in turn. We also observe the cohort-specific influence of certain socio-demographic variables, including gender and household income. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed considering Social Cognitive Theory, Protection Motivation Theory, and the Technology Acceptance Model.