A recent study conducted by Kaspersky Lab shows that online users are turning to a variety of methods to keep their personal data safe from the prying eyes of the online world. These methods include the usual security steps and some extreme procedures like hiding their computers.
Kaspersky Lab also shared that despite the steps taken to protect data online, users are still not completely aware of the risks, and those that are, use the wrong methods to stay safe online.
The research further showed that one-in-five (20%) admit that they cover up their webcam, in an attempt to protect their privacy. Useful in itself, it’s important to recognize that covering a webcam cannot prevent audio interception and protect users from being listened to by hackers or malicious groups.
Over a quarter of internet users (28%) store their sensitive data on devices that have no internet access, mistakenly thinking that this will guarantee the protection of their data. Although this theory is grounded in logic and is essential for securing backup data from the aftermaths of a ransomware attack, even without an internet connection, it is still possible for a device to be infected via a connected smartphone or USB stick.
Eighteen percent of those surveyed admitted that they try to avoid using popular websites like Google and Facebook because of the personal information these sites gather, despite the fact that it is normal practice for almost all websites to track users and collect some user data today.
Moreover, 8-percent of extra-careful respondents admitted to hiding their computers from other people, even though this will not help protect them from internet threats. Seven-percent also said they devote time to entering, then erasing credit card data when paying online, in an attempt to confuse viruses, despite the fact that malware, especially keyloggers, cannot be confused this way.
Whilst some use these extreme, but inadequate methods, the statistics show that other Internet users are severely lacking in cyber-savviness. Only 23-percent said they feel targeted online and 23-percent said that they do not think a security solution is necessary, raising questions about their online awareness and ability to protect themselves from harm.
Protect your precious data online, without having to resort to extreme, which are more or less inaccurate methods with Kaspersky Internet Security. This security solution from Kaspersky safeguards user information without interfering with their digital lives. The Webcam Protection feature for Mac and Windows can maintain user privacy, whilst specialist anti-tracking features – such as the Private Browsing function – can help users who want to avoid being tracked by websites – by cutting off user data from internet traffic.
Check your own level of cyber-savviness here: https://blog.kaspersky.com/cyber-savvy-quiz/. To read more tips on how to protect yourself online, click here: https://blog.kaspersky.com/tag/cybersavvy.
Data is taken from Consumer Security Risks Survey 2015 and Are you cyber savvy? Quiz.