The younger Kiwis are, the more careless they are when it comes to security on social media, according to an eye-opening survey by Trend Micro this month.

Even fresher off the boat than the impending America's Cup trophy, the security experts report highlights a worryingly trend across the younger generation.

Younger groups are more likely to have sent bank account, credit card or pin number details via private messages than older groups, suggesting they are now a target for cyber criminals online.

The report claims 13% of New Zealanders have sent Facebook private messages containing their bank account, credit card or pin number details.

But upon analysing the breakdown, it becomes clear where the problem lies:

• Under 24: 28% have sent a private message on Facebook with their bank account details (in comparison to 5% of 55+)

• 25-34: 23% have sent a private message on Facebook with their bank account details

• 25-43: 11% have sent a private message on Facebook with their pin number

Surveying 608 people across the country, the report was nationally representative, with 50% male and 50% female respondents aged evenly between 18-54.

To qualify for the research, conducted by ResearchNow, the respondents needed a computer or internet enabled device for personal use and be the main or evenly shared decision maker in the household.

In an attempt to combat the move, Trend Micro claims it's personal privacy management tool now simplifies privacy settings on Twitter and Google+, and Facebook – for both Mac and PC.

Facebook settings can also now be managed on the go via an Android app, while also giving users control over which apps can access biographical data, and who can tag and see photos.

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