Kaspersky has launched the second part of its report on tech-enabled abuse based on a global study* of 7,600 respondents around the world. The study reveals that nearly 50% of victims of tech-enabled abuse reported that the perpetrator was someone within their social circle. The findings also highlight a clear generational and gender gap: nearly 60% of Gen Z respondents said they experienced at least one form of digital abuse in the past year — the highest rate among all age groups — while 62% of women reported feeling unsafe online, compared to 54% of men.
Abuse cycles within relationships
The study by Kaspersky’s internal market research center conducted among 7,600 respondents in 19 countries reveals that online abuse is far more personal than commonly perceived. While 40% of respondents who experienced tech-enabled abuse said it came from someone they did not know, nearly 50% reported that the perpetrator was someone within their social circle. Friends accounted for 15% of cases, followed by current partners (10%), colleagues (8%), family members (7%), and ex-partners (6%). Countries where abusers more often than average turned out to be someone close to the victims include USA, Italy, Spain, UK, India and Indonesia.
Individuals who experienced abuse from a friend, partner, or family member were significantly more likely to report having acted abusively toward that same category of person. This suggests that tech-enabled abuse can become normalized, reciprocal, and self-reinforcing over time.
The generation gap that leaves older people exposed
Awareness and understanding of tech-enabled abuse vary significantly across age groups, reflecting broader differences in digital literacy and online experience.
Among Gen Z respondents, who grew up with smartphones and constant connectivity, 81% said they were familiar with the term “tech-enabled abuse.” Among Baby Boomers, that figure drops to 64%.
Across all age groups, women report significantly higher levels of discomfort and vulnerability in digital environments. 62% of women said they feel unsafe online, compared to 54% of men. These figures suggest that digital environments are not experienced equally. For many women, online spaces are not only a source of connection and opportunity, but also a space of heightened risk and emotional strain.
“From a cybersecurity perspective, the fact that nearly 60% of tech-enabled abuse cases originate from someone within a victim’s social circle significantly changes how we should approach protection. These threats often do not look like traditional cyberattacks — they are embedded in everyday interactions, trusted devices, and shared access to accounts or data. This makes them harder to detect and easier to overlook. Strengthening digital hygiene, understanding how access and permissions can be misused, and using trusted security tools are essential steps to reducing exposure and preventing such abuse from escalating,” says Tatyana Shishkova, Lead Security Researcher, Acting Head of Research Center Americas & Europe at Kaspersky’s Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT).
“These findings challenge the persistent assumption that technology-facilitated abuse is primarily anonymous or perpetrated by strangers. Instead, they highlight how such harm is often embedded within existing relationships — spaces typically associated with trust and emotional safety. In these contexts, abuse can become part of a cycle of mutual escalation, where individuals respond to perceived harm, control, or humiliation with further harmful behaviour. Digital environments, with their immediacy and intensity, can amplify these dynamics, making it easier for conflict to escalate and harder to interrupt. Recognising these relational patterns is critical to understanding and addressing the full scope of technology-facilitated abuse,” says Dr Leonie Maria Tanczer, Associate Professor at UCL Computer Science and Head of the Department's Gender and Tech Research Lab.
Read the full report here: https://lp.kaspersky.com/global/tech-enabled-abuse-2
As part of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness and support practical action against tech-enabled abuse, Kaspersky participated in an international Tech Abuse Conference hosted by UCL in London from 19–21 May 2026. Tatyana Shishkova, Lead Security Researcher, Acting Head of Research Center Americas & Europe at Kaspersky’s Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT), led a dedicated Anti-Stalkerware Workshop. The hands-on session provided practical, step-by-step guidance on stalkerware and spyware — what they are, how they are used, and how they may appear on real devices. Through live demonstrations, participants learnt how to identify potential signs of such threats, explored key device settings and features to check, and gained a deeper understanding of how stalkerware operates.
Kaspersky is also a co-founder of the Coalition Against Stalkerware, an international working group against stalkerware and domestic violence that brings together private IT companies, NGOs, research institutions, and law enforcement agencies working to combat cyberstalking and help victims of online abuse.
Recommendations for potential victims of tech-enabled abuse:
- Recognize the signs. Tech-facilitated abuse can take many forms, from controlling behavior and constant monitoring to harassment, exclusion, or threats. Trust your instincts if something feels wrong.
- Take early action. If you suspect abusive behavior, do not ignore it. Document incidents where possible and seek guidance before the situation escalates.
- Protect your digital space. Use strong, unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and regularly review your account and privacy settings.
- Be cautious with access. Avoid sharing devices, accounts, or sensitive information unless necessary, and be mindful of apps or permissions that allow monitoring.
- Use trusted tools. Security solutions can help identify suspicious activity, including stalkerware, unauthorized access, or unknown tracking devices.
- Seek support. Reach out to trusted individuals or professional organizations if you need help. You do not have to navigate this alone.
- Know how to help others. If you witness abuse, do not assume someone else will act. Even small steps such as checking in, offering support, or guiding someone to resources can make a difference.
- Stay informed. As digital environments evolve, so do risks. Awareness is one of the most effective forms of protection.
* This study, conducted by Kaspersky’s internal market research center, explores the topic of technology-facilitated abuse, examining its prevalence and impact across a diverse range of regions. A total of 7,600 respondents participated in the study. The research covers multiple countries, including Austria, Brazil, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Portugal, Russia, Serbia, Spain, the UK, the USA. The study focused on understanding the experiences of individuals who are exposed to technology-facilitated abuse through digital platforms.
