Malwarebytes, a renowned global leader in real-time cyber protection, has released a new report titled “Everyone’s Afraid of the Internet (and No One’s Sure What to do About it).” The report highlights the stark contrast between consumers’ online behaviors and the need for safety and privacy. According to the report, a staggering 70% of respondents have encountered various cybersecurity threats, including online scams, viruses, malware, and even serious personal violations like stalkerware/spyware and ransomware. These findings emphasize the urgent need for education across generations to ensure individuals can protect themselves in an ever-evolving online world.
The CEO of Malwarebytes, Marcin Kleczynski, underscored the link between privacy and security, emphasizing that the general public tends to accept the risks due to the overwhelming nature of threats. Kleczynski also expressed the significance of education in breaking down the complexities of cybersecurity and making protection accessible to empower individuals to take ownership and control of their online identities. The mission of Malwarebytes is to provide trusted protection in an online world where nothing is certain.
As technology progresses, people’s fear and anxiety about the risks associated with their digital footprint have also advanced. With the constant emergence of new apps and technologies, individuals, regardless of their age, often find themselves unsure about how to stay safe online or even if it is possible to do so.
Oren Arar, the VP of Consumer Privacy at Malwarebytes, emphasized that despite the internet’s lack of trustworthiness, individuals should not give up. However, the report reveals that only 35% of people use antivirus tools, 24% use multi-factor authentication, and a mere 15% use a password manager. This significant disconnect between people’s fears, online behaviors, and the lack of cybersecurity protection highlights the need for meaningful education to foster a safer relationship with the internet.
The report also shed light on specific concerns related to new technologies. Users of generative AI and popular social media platform TikTok expressed their doubts about trusting these relatively new players, particularly considering TikTok’s ownership. A considerable 69% of generative AI users and 63% of TikTok users were concerned about the potential misuse or theft of their data.
Identity theft ranked third among people’s top concerns regarding online security, following fear of financial accounts and personal data breaches, both of which contribute to identity theft. Surprisingly, only 13% of respondents had identity theft protection, even though 64% agreed that it is one of the most critical cybersecurity tools.
The report also revealed a feeling of resignation among respondents regarding the use of cybersecurity tools. One in four respondents believed that using these tools was pointless due to the numerous threats, and 41% were unsure about how cybersecurity tools could effectively protect them. Unsurprisingly, three in four parents expressed the need for better tools and education to ensure their children’s online safety.
In order to gain a deeper understanding of people’s attitudes and behaviors related to online safety and security, Malwarebytes commissioned an independent research study among 1,000 internet users aged 13-77 in North America. The survey delved into users’ concerns about online security, their typical online activities, and the measures they take to stay safe.
To learn more about the latest threats and cyber protection strategies, individuals can visit Malwarebytes’ blog or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Twitter.
Malwarebytes, founded in 2008 with a mission to eradicate malware, offers award-winning endpoint protection, privacy, and threat prevention solutions. Their team of threat researchers consistently protects millions of individuals and thousands of businesses worldwide. The company’s solutions have received recognition from independent tests and customers alike, reflecting their implementability, usability, and outstanding results. Headquartered in California, Malwarebytes also has offices in Europe and Asia.
In conclusion, the report by Malwarebytes sheds light on the juxtaposition between consumers’ online behaviors and the urgent need for safety and privacy. With a high prevalence of cybersecurity threats and a significant disconnect between fears, behaviors, and protection measures, the report emphasizes the critical role of education in empowering individuals to navigate the increasingly complex online world. By providing accessible and trusted protection, Malwarebytes aims to change the public’s relationship with the internet, fostering security rather than anxiety.