A new study conducted by Thales, a leading cybersecurity company, has revealed that a significant number of Brits are neglecting cyber security best practices due to feelings of overwhelm and confusion. The research, which surveyed over 2,000 UK citizens, exposes a concerning level of consumer apathy towards online safety.
According to the findings, 34% of respondents admitted to giving up on following cyber security best practices because they perceive it as an impossible task. This apathy is closely associated with sentiments of confusion, futility, and information overload. Over half of the participants (51%) expressed their struggle to understand the rapid advancements in technology and the implications they have on their personal security.
The research was conducted in line with Cyber Security Awareness Month, an initiative that aims to raise awareness about the importance of online safety. It sheds light on the long journey that security education must undertake in order to create a secure interconnected world.
One major issue highlighted by the study is the lack of consumer understanding regarding important cybersecurity matters. For instance, more than a fifth (22%) of respondents admitted to having no knowledge about the significance of where their data is stored in the world. This lack of awareness directly translates into a lack of concern when it comes to companies storing their personal data, with 20% expressing zero worry about this issue, despite the ongoing challenges of data sovereignty faced by businesses.
The confusion surrounding cybersecurity is also leading individuals to carelessly surrender their personal data. Alarmingly, nearly half (47%) of the participants confessed to signing terms and conditions without thoroughly reading them, thereby increasing the potential risks to their data privacy. In fact, 57% of respondents suspect that companies intentionally use convoluted language in their terms and conditions to obscure the extent to which individuals unintentionally give up their personal information.
Furthermore, the research highlights how individuals are still struggling to master the basics of online security. Despite the well-known risks associated with data, more than half (56%) of the participants admitted to always accepting cookies on websites for the sake of convenience, prioritizing user experience over security. Additionally, only slightly over two fifths (44%) currently utilize multi-factor authentication across all their online accounts, even though it is one of the simplest ways to protect one’s identity online.
Chris Harris, the EMEA Technical Director at Thales, commented on the findings, stating that “the problem isn’t necessarily an awareness issue.” He believes that there is already too much awareness about how to stay safe online, which is overwhelming the public and causing cyber best practices to decline. However, Harris emphasizes that companies need to consider this situation and adjust how they communicate with customers in terms of data security.
Harris argues that the use of industry-specific terms in communication, such as “digital sovereignty,” “data compliance,” and “third-party cookies,” alienates the general consumer population. This leads to a crucial question: how can individuals protect themselves from threats they don’t understand? This conundrum is especially relevant during Cyber Security Awareness Month and should prompt businesses to rethink how they can best create a safer digital environment.
In conclusion, the research conducted by Thales highlights the alarming level of apathy and confusion among Brits when it comes to cyber security best practices. It emphasizes the need for improved security education and a more accessible approach to data protection. Only through these efforts can individuals protect themselves from the ever-evolving threats in the digital landscape.