A cybersecurity study by Kaspersky reveals that only 53% of Saudi families fully secure all their devices, even though 49% regularly discuss online safety at home. The research highlights a significant gap between awareness and action when it comes to family device security in the Kingdom.
The study, conducted in November 2025 across 15 countries including Saudi Arabia, surveyed 3,000 respondents about their digital protection practices. While awareness of online threats is growing, the findings show that many families are not implementing the security measures they understand to be important.
Educational Efforts Outpace Implementation
Kaspersky’s data shows strong educational engagement within families regarding cybersecurity. A majority of respondents take steps to inform their relatives about safe online practices. Specifically, 49% regularly coach elderly relatives and children on safe internet use, while 56% recommend password manager solutions to family members.
Additionally, 47% encourage the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA), and 46% actively review and adjust privacy settings on both family devices and important online accounts. However, this educational approach does not consistently translate into comprehensive protection across all devices.
Parental Controls and Device Setup Gaps
Among families with children under 18, adoption of parental control applications is relatively high at 65%. These tools help restrict access to inappropriate content and manage screen time. However, only 46% of respondents set up new devices properly for their families, which is a critical step in establishing security from the outset.
Kaspersky experts emphasize that proper device setup, including installing cybersecurity solutions before first use and reviewing privacy settings, can significantly enhance device security. This practice ensures devices are scanned for hidden threats and web browsing is protected from the start.
Older Generations Less Engaged in Security Practices
The research also identifies a concerning trend among older age groups. About 21% of respondents globally aged 55 and over take no measures to protect their families online. Only 24% of this age group install security solutions for family members, though 40% do recommend password managers to their relatives.
This generational divide underscores the importance of having a designated “Family Digital Manager” within households, particularly to protect both children and elderly relatives from cybersecurity threats and provide guidance on trusted security solutions.
The Role of Family Digital Managers
Brandon Muller, Technical Expert at Kaspersky, commented on the findings: “We are now using a lot of gadgets and digital services, and with every new device and every additional hour spent online, the potential entry points for cybercriminals continue to grow, exposing us to a wider range of cyber threats. At the same time, not every generation adapts to these rapid changes with the same ease. That’s why having someone in the family take on the role of a ‘Family Digital Manager’ can be so valuable, especially when it comes to protecting kids and elder people from digital cyberthreats, give advice and help with the use of trusted security solutions.”
As digital devices and services become increasingly central to daily life, the need for proactive family-wide protection strategies continues to grow. The gap between awareness and implementation represents an opportunity for families to strengthen their digital defenses by moving from discussion to action on device security.
