From Boomers to Zoomers: Cyber Security Behaviours in an AI Era

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded in digital infrastructures, understanding human behaviour in cyber security contexts is more critical than ever. This study explores how generational and sex-based differences influence cyber security behaviours, particularly in relation to AI-driven systems and protocols. Drawing on Marc Prensky’s digital natives vs. digital immigrants concept, we conducted semi-structured interviews with UK employees to examine themes such as responsibility, techno-stress, and perceptions of AI risk. Our findings reveal that while all participants feel personally responsible for cyber security, their engagement with AI technologies varies significantly by age and sex. The study highlights the need for adaptive, AI-informed training programs that account for demographic diversity and promote secure behaviour in increasingly automated environments. We argue that ethical AI integration, user-centred design, and emotionally intelligent feedback mechanisms are essential for fostering a resilient cyber security culture.