If you’re a Gen Z professional with multiple gigs, juggling freelance work, side hustles, and that remote full-time job, you’re not alone — you’re part of the “polyworking” generation. But while the hustle is real, so are the risks.

Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has identified over 6 million cyberattacks disguised as work tools in the past year alone — many targeting young digital professionals just like you. From fake Zoom updates and dodgy LinkedIn job offers to phishing emails and password reuse traps, the threats are multiplying faster than your email inbox.

Why are polyworkers more vulnerable? Speaking on HOT Business with Jeremy Maggs, powered by Standard Bank, Brandon Muller from Kaspersky explains, “If you’re running three jobs from one laptop or smartphone, you’re effectively widening your digital attack surface.” More logins, more platforms, more risk — especially when personal and work data overlap.

Targeting Gen Z’s to get to the Bigger Fish

These scams aren’t just targeting you — they’re using you as a gateway to your clients or employers. With fewer security systems in place than traditional workplaces, freelancers and side hustlers are easier prey. And with tools like Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, and Zoom being the most targeted, the very apps that keep your career moving forward could be the ones that trip you up.

Worse still? Scammers are doing their homework. Open-source intel from your LinkedIn, Instagram, or X profile gives them all the data they need to trick you.

Bottom line: your flexibility comes with vulnerability. Stay alert. Verify links. Use unique passwords. And think twice before clicking on that too-good-to-be-true gig.

It’s your digital hustle — don’t let it be your downfall.

Listen to the full interview from HOT Business with Jeremy Maggs, below: