Kaspersky Study: Half of Online Abuse Perpetrators Come from Victims' Inner Circles

The latest report from Kaspersky has revealed surprising facts regarding the phenomenon of tech-enabled abuse. Based on a global study of 7,600 respondents across 19 countries, it appears this digital threat is far more personal than previously imagined. Rather than being carried out by anonymous strangers, nearly 50 per cent of victims reported that the perpetrators of online abuse actually came from their own social circles. This finding shifts the cybersecurity paradigm, which had previously focused more on external attacks. Data shows that friends, partners, and even family members play a significant role in cases of digital harassment. This often occurs due to shared access to devices or accounts, as well as abused levels of trust. The study also highlights differing vulnerabilities based on age and gender. Gen Z was recorded as the group most frequently experiencing online abuse, whilst women felt far less safe in digital spaces compared to men. Indonesia is among the countries with very high levels of digital security concern. Only 21 per cent of Indonesian society feels completely safe when engaging in online activities. The remainder, totalling 79 per cent, feel at least partly unsafe. Specific data for Indonesia shows 917 unique stalkerware detections throughout the 2024–2025 period. Although public awareness of this issue is quite high, with 93 per cent having heard of the term, technical threats remain a major challenge requiring stronger preventive measures. To mitigate the risks of tech-enabled abuse, Kaspersky recommends several practical steps for users.