Family digital communication has become the cornerstone of modern relationships in Saudi Arabia, according to Kaspersky’s latest research. The cybersecurity company’s comprehensive study reveals that 81% of participants communicate with family via messaging apps, 72% have regular video calls, and 61% have established joint streaming service accounts. While digitalization offers unprecedented convenience and flexibility in family communication, Kaspersky experts warn that this increased online connectivity demands heightened awareness of digital safety practices and device protection.

The Rise of Digital Family Interactions

Communication in the digital sphere has become an integral part of everyday life in the Kingdom. Thanks to video calls and instant messaging, families can maintain connections with loved ones regardless of location. Digitalization has reshaped not only how people communicate, but also how they spend free time together. Kaspersky conducted a survey of 3,000 respondents from 15 countries to reveal common patterns of modern family life in the digital age and discover cybersecurity challenges lurking beneath screen interactions.

Regular messaging via WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Viber and other messenger apps topped users’ choices when communicating with families. People in the 35-54 age group were most likely to engage this way, with 89% of respondents choosing this option. Video calls were less popular, with only 58% selecting this digital solution for keeping in touch with relatives.

Memes and Social Media: The New Family Bonding

Another popular way of staying connected online for many families in KSA is exchanging posts and memes on social media and messengers, with 68% participation. The 18-34 age group leads this trend with a 58% participation rate, showcasing how humor and shared cultural references are becoming essential family bonding mechanisms. This shift demonstrates that family digital communication extends beyond traditional conversations to include shared entertainment and cultural expressions.

The older generation above 55 years old is generally less digitally engaged than other ages, though 85% still chat with families in messengers. Notably, 42% of this age group even exchange memes and posts via social media. Despite increased digital activity, older people may not be ready to face cyber threats and scams, making it crucial for users to educate their older relatives on staying safe online and using gadgets securely.

Cybersecurity Risks in Family Digital Communication

Even for advanced users, communication online carries potential cybersecurity risks. From phishing attempts disguised as legitimate messages to sophisticated social engineering attacks, the digital battlefield operates within the most personal communication channels. To ensure complex protection for messengers, Kaspersky recommends several measures:

  • Enable two-factor authentication where possible
  • Use unique, complex passwords for each account
  • Remain skeptical of unexpected links or attachments
  • Use reliable security solutions with anti-phishing protection
  • Follow security tips from cybersecurity experts

Shared Streaming Accounts: Convenience or Vulnerability?

The survey shows that 79% of families in KSA choose to watch movies together in their free time, with 61% having family streaming accounts. Online games are quite popular as a family pastime, with 63% of respondents opting for them. While sharing streaming subscriptions and gaming accounts may seem cost-effective, it opens doors to digital vulnerabilities that can compromise family security and privacy, especially when accounts are used by different family members under the same login and password.

Such accounts create perfect conditions for security breaches. If one family member’s device is compromised, hackers gain access to the entire account. Additionally, password reuse across multiple platforms means a single breach could expose financial information, email accounts, and other sensitive data. To manage all passwords securely, Kaspersky highly recommends using a password manager for all family members.

“As our family life moves more and more online, it opens up amazing ways to stay close and create memories – but it also brings new risks, like scams and hacking. Kids and older relatives can be especially at risk, so looking out for each other online is really important. Protecting your digital privacy and using cybersecurity measures is an important way to care for your loved ones and keep your family safe.”

Marina Titova, Vice President for Consumer Business at Kaspersky

The study was conducted by Kaspersky’s market research center in November 2025, with participants from Argentina, Chile, China, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, UK, and United Arab Emirates. As families continue embracing digital tools for connection, balancing convenience with security remains paramount for protecting what matters most.