Age and Susceptibility: The Impact of Age on the Cyberattack Susceptibility of Parañaque Citizens

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Jana Dorathy P. Loyola, National University — Mall of AsiaFollow
Clisha Rae V. Batangan, National University — Mall of AsiaFollow
Carlos Jordan A. Datu, National University — Mall of AsiaFollow
Joseph A. Espiritu, National University — Mall of AsiaFollow
Roberto Romano G. Lim, National University — Mall of AsiaFollow
Mark Kenneth D. Cabaccan, National University — Mall of AsiaFollow

Document Type

Paper Presentation

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Balili, Jun P.

Abstract/Executive Summary

Throughout the years, multiple studies have been conducted to determine the impact of age on cybersecurity; however, their results were contradictory. To clarify the answer, this study examined how being a part of different age generations (Generation Z, Millennials, Generation X, and Baby Boomers) affects cybersecurity awareness, behavior, and susceptibility to cyberattacks among Parañaque citizens. The objective is to identify the susceptibility levels of each generation and to determine whether there is a significant difference between them. A total of 134 participants answered the questionnaire about their cybersecurity attitudes, knowledge, and practices. Using statistical tools such as General Weighted Mean (GWM), One-Way ANOVA, and Tukey-HSD post-hoc testing, the study found significant generational differences in susceptibility to cyberattacks. Baby Boomers had the highest mean susceptibility level (2.52), indicating poor cybersecurity practices, low knowledge, and low engagement with cybersecurity training. On the other hand, Millennials demonstrated the lowest susceptibility level (2.10), indicating improved digital habits and increased confidence in personal security measures. While all age groups were aware of cybersecurity dangers, there were noticeable differences in educational exposure, device maintenance behavior, and attitudes toward future risks. The study also found that younger generations, such as Gen Z, frequently delay updates, increasing risk despite moderate awareness. The study's limitations include a small and unequal sample size and reliance on self-reported data. The findings emphasize the importance of age-specific cybersecurity education, as well as the need for future research with bigger and more balanced samples to gain a better understanding of age-related cybersecurity susceptibility.

Keywords

cybersecurity, cybersecurity practices, cyberattack susceptibility, age generations