Survey: Online consumers think they’re not cyberattack targets

The 2015 Consumer Security Risks Survey report released by Kaspersky Lab has revealed that 46 percent of those surveyed believe they are not a target for cyberattacks,

The views of the respondents contrast with the fact that 45 percent admitted that they have encountered a malware incident, 25 percent have experienced account hacking and 48 percent have experienced a financial threat, according to the 2015 Consumer Security Risks Survey report

The study, which explores consumer behavior and opinions related to their use of connected devices and awareness of current security threats, found that although many consumers are aware of cyber threats, most admit that they neglect to properly protect their devices, personal data and families from online risks.

“Adult participants worried that older relatives may not know how to protect themselves from malware (52%), online scams (50%) or theft (45%). For children under the age of 18, 61 percent of parents worry that their kids have uncontrolled access to inappropriate content online; however, 76 percent of parents surveyed had not installed parental control software that would help to mitigate such risks.”

Kaspersky Lab surveyed over 12,000 consumers aged 16 and older from 26 countries across the world. The study found that a majority consumers stored important personal information on their devices, but they often fail to appropriately protect this sensitive information. In fact, the survey results showed that 88 percent of consumers store personal information on digital devices, including passwords and account login details (48%) and financial data (28%).

While several worry this information could get into the hands of cyber criminals, only 36 percent of respondents have implemented strong privacy settings, the 2015 Consumer Security Risks Survey report reveals.

The study also found a growing concern about the threats facing older people and children, but again, a lack of preventative action from those concerned consumers. Adult participants worried that older relatives may not know how to protect themselves from malware (52%), online scams (50%) or theft (45%). For children under the age of 18, 61 percent of parents worry that their kids have uncontrolled access to inappropriate content online; however, 76 percent of parents surveyed had not installed parental control software that would help to mitigate such risks.

“Using connected devices without implementing additional security measures is like driving without a seatbelt, you can do it, but it’s dangerous and opens you up to unnecessary risk,” Brett Schetzsle, regional consumer product marketing group manager, Kaspersky Lab says. “Even though our survey indicates the level of concern about cyber threats is high, consumers need to take action now to better protect their themselves and their families. Using security solutions already available, they can greatly reduce their risk with surprisingly little effort on their part.”