Islamabad: A recent study by global cybersecurity company Kaspersky has shed light on the evolving patterns of family connectivity in the digital age, revealing both the ways families interact online and the potential cybersecurity risks lurking behind everyday digital habits.
The research shows that the vast majority of people now use digital tools to stay in touch with relatives. According to the survey, 86% of participants communicate with family members via messaging apps, 58% regularly make video calls, and 44% share streaming service accounts to enjoy media together. Messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and Viber remain the most popular channels, especially among people aged 35ā54, who lead the trend of online family connectivity.
Social media and messenger posts, including memes and shared content, also play a key role in family bonding, with 53% of respondents exchanging posts online. The 18ā34 age group participates most actively in this trend, highlighting the role of humor and shared cultural references in modern family interactions.
Older adults, particularly those above 55, are generally less digitally active, though 85% still use messaging apps to connect with relatives, and 42% share posts or memes. Kasperskyās research warns that this age group may be more vulnerable to cyber threats and scams, emphasizing the need to educate older family members about online safety.
In terms of leisure, 70% of families prefer to watch movies together, and 44% maintain shared streaming accounts. Online gaming is less popular as a family activity, with only 35% participation. While sharing accounts can be convenient, it can also expose families to digital vulnerabilities. If one device is compromised, hackers may gain access to shared accounts, and password reuse can put sensitive financial and personal data at risk. Kaspersky recommends using unique, complex passwords and employing a reliable password manager for all family members.
Marina Titova, Vice President for Consumer Business at Kaspersky, commented, āAs our family life moves increasingly online, it opens up amazing ways to stay close and create memories but it also brings new risks, like scams and hacking. Protecting your digital privacy and using cybersecurity measures is an important way to care for your loved ones and keep your family safe.ā
The study also highlighted key online security practices, including enabling two-factor authentication, using unique passwords for each account, remaining cautious of unexpected links or attachments, and relying on security solutions with anti-phishing protection.
The survey was conducted in November 2025 by Kasperskyās market research center and included 3,000 respondents from 15 countries, including Argentina, China, Germany, India, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey, the UK, and the UAE.
About Kaspersky:
Founded in 1997, Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company that has protected over a billion devices worldwide. Its comprehensive security portfolio includes personal digital life protection, specialized enterprise security products, and advanced solutions to defend against sophisticated cyber threats.
