Digital dichotomy in Europe: users worry about cyber assaults yet fail to take preventive measures
In a recent study conducted by Schwarz Digits and market research institute GIM, it was revealed that a majority of Europeans are concerned about their digital security. The study, which surveyed 1,000 individuals per country in 14 European countries, highlighted widespread fear of identity theft and concern about the severe impact of cyberattacks on democracy and businesses.
The findings showed that 37% of Europeans know someone in their personal network who has already been a victim of cybercrime. This statistic underscores the prevalence of digital threats in everyday life.
Two-thirds of Europeans trust European companies, while only a small number trust Chinese or American providers of digital products or services. However, the trust does not seem to translate into action, as the active use of advanced security measures varies. While 82% say they use strong passwords, only 59% use two-factor authentication and just 19% use a VPN.
One of the main concerns for Europeans is password theft and unauthorized online purchases. The study found that 74 percent of respondents are very or somewhat concerned about the theft of passwords, and 74 percent are concerned about unauthorized online purchases. Despite these concerns, many individuals remain unprepared, with only 10% having private cyber insurance, and just 28% expressing interest in getting such a policy.
Another concerning finding is the low adoption of reporting incidents to law enforcement. Only 53% of those who discovered identity or data theft reported the incident to law enforcement after discovery. This could be due in part to the fact that when identity or data theft occurs, the burden of discovery often falls on the individual, with 57% of those affected discovering the misuse themselves.
The study also revealed that only 31% of Europeans believe that state authorities are taking sufficient measures to protect their digital identity and data. This lack of trust could be contributing to the low adoption of protective measures and the high levels of vulnerability.
The study titled "Cybersecurity Report" was conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute for Secure Information Technology (Fraunhofer SIT) in collaboration with the National Research Center for Applied Cybersecurity ATHENE and was commissioned by the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). The specific market research institute involved in the study is not explicitly stated in the provided results.
The study underscores a striking paradox: While a majority of Europeans express serious concerns about digital threats and the sovereignty of their data, a significant portion remains unprepared and vulnerable. It is crucial for individuals and authorities to take action to improve digital security and protect against cybercrime.
