The article emphasizes the relevance of studying the problems of social security in the context of the deepening socio-economic and political crises, the instability of the interaction between government institutions and civil society. The article presents an analysis of youth security from the standpoint of the anthropocentric approach as a subjective value attitude of individuals and groups to the totality of life risks in current conditions, expressed in a sense of security from risks, confidence in the future, as well as the image of the future. The results of the article were obtained on the basis of data from a survey of third-year students enrolled in undergraduate programs at 13 universities in Yekaterinburg, which was implemented by a questionnaire method, the selection of respondents was carried out using a quota-nested sample (N=2000). It is proved that despite a fairly high proportion of students confident in the future, the horizon of life planning is rather narrow for a significant part of young people and covers the near future up to 5 years. In addition, student youth is characterized by a rather negative image of the future, among the main social phobias of the Ural students are a drop in living standards, possible political unrest in the country, conflicts and worsening relations with other countries. The risks are identified, in relation to which students feel the least degree of protection, the relationship between the social ideals of young people and the degree of protection from risks is established: students who share tolerance, observance of human rights, and a high standard of living as guidelines for the development of society feel the least protected; students feel relatively safe from various kinds of risks, for whom strong state power and the preservation of traditions are a priority as social ideals.