The National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) and CybSafe have teamed up to release the Annual Cybersecurity Attitudes and Behaviors Report 2023. The report, supported by Iris® Powered by Generali and conducted in partnership with CERT-NZ, surveyed over 6,000 individuals across the United States, UK, Canada, Germany, France, and New Zealand to examine key cybersecurity behaviors, attitudes, and trends ahead of Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
The survey findings reveal a positive shift in how Americans view cybersecurity. A significant majority (79%) now recognize the importance of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), with 70% actively using it to enhance their online security. However, concerns remain about access to adequate training, as only 44% of participants in the United States reported having access to cybersecurity training programs.
Lisa Plaggemier, Executive Director of the National Cybersecurity Alliance, highlights the encouraging rise in proactive cybersecurity measures but emphasizes the need for affordable, accessible, and comprehensive cybersecurity measures from both the private and public sectors. Oz Alashe, CEO and Founder of CybSafe, adds that while awareness is improving, it is essential to encourage individuals to use available tools to protect themselves online and deliver affordable cybersecurity solutions for everyone.
Key report insights include the growing awareness and adoption of cybersecurity measures. Within the U.S., 79% of respondents demonstrated familiarity with MFA, and 70% of those individuals regularly incorporate it into their online security measures. The adoption of password managers has also made significant progress, with 38% of Americans utilizing these tools to bolster password security.
The report also highlights the promising signs of Americans embracing proactive cybersecurity practices. Stateside, 61% of respondents consistently update their software and applications to stay informed about security updates. Additionally, 69% express confidence in their ability to identify phishing attempts, leading to a higher rate of actively reported cybercrimes, specifically instances of phishing.
Despite the increasing awareness and adoption of cybersecurity measures, concerns and victimization in the U.S. have risen. A notable 61% of participants expressed apprehension about becoming victims of cybercrime, with 36% acknowledging they have been targeted before. The survey also reveals a generational divide in which younger generations face a higher rate of cybercrime victimization, even with their understanding of online risks. This divide underscores the need for targeted educational initiatives to empower older generations and incentivize tech-savvy digital natives.
While there is a growing awareness of cybersecurity practices, gaps in education and training persist. Although 70% of respondents in the U.S. are familiar with MFA, 30% of those aware of the feature do not use it regularly. Additionally, 38% of Americans incorporate personal information into their passwords, potentially compromising the security of their accounts. Data backup practices have shown improvement, but only 48% of respondents consistently back up their data. Addressing these educational gaps is crucial for enhancing cybersecurity knowledge and practices.
Perceptions of high cybersecurity protection costs have escalated, with 49% of respondents viewing it as an expensive endeavor. Disparities in access to cybersecurity training also persist, with only 44% of American participants reporting access to such programs. Overcoming these challenges is crucial to ensure that cybersecurity remains accessible and affordable for all individuals in the U.S.
The report is further enhanced by CybSafe’s advanced insights and behavioral analysis. Partnerships with Iris® Powered by Generali and CERT-NZ provide a global perspective, offering invaluable insights into the cyber landscapes of New Zealand and Germany.
To access the full “Oh Behave! The Annual Cybersecurity Attitudes and Behaviors Report 2023,” visit https://staysafeonline.org/online-safety-privacy-basics/oh-behave/. For more information on Cybersecurity Awareness Month, visit https://staysafeonline.org/programs/cybersecurity-awareness-month/.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month aims to engage and educate public- and private-sector partners through events and initiatives to raise awareness about cybersecurity and increase the nation’s resiliency in the event of a cyber incident. The initiative has been recognized by Congress, federal, state, and local governments since its establishment in 2004. A united effort is necessary to maintain a safer and more resilient cyberspace, which remains a source of tremendous opportunity and growth.
The National Cybersecurity Alliance is a non-profit organization with a mission to create a more secure and interconnected world. They advocate for the safe use of technology and educate individuals on how to protect themselves from cybercrime. Their core efforts include Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Data Privacy Day, and CyberSecure My Business™.
CybSafe is a cloud-based software that reduces organizational risk by improving cybersecurity behaviors and awareness. Their contribution greatly enhanced this collaborative cybersecurity study by providing advanced insights and behavioral analysis. Partnerships with Iris® Powered by Generali and CERT-NZ further strengthened the global perspective of the report, offering valuable insights into the cyber landscapes of New Zealand and Germany.