The Rising Tide of Digital Anxiety: 37% Intimidated, 39% Frustrated With Online Security

Oh Behave! The Annual Cybersecurity Attitudes and Behaviors Report 2023 Highlights Growing Awareness and Adoption of Cybersecurity Measures

The National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) and CybSafe have released their annual report on cybersecurity attitudes and behaviors for 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. The findings reveal a significant shift in how Americans view cybersecurity, with growing recognition of the importance of staying safe online. However, the report also highlights concerns about access to adequate training and the need for affordable and comprehensive cybersecurity measures.

Awareness and Adoption of Cybersecurity Measures Continue to Grow

The report shows a substantial surge in cybersecurity awareness among Americans, with 79% of respondents demonstrating familiarity with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Encouragingly, 70% of those familiar with MFA actively use it to enhance their online security on a regular basis. The adoption of password managers has also made significant headway, with 38% of Americans utilizing these tools to bolster password security. These findings indicate that Americans are increasingly well-informed and proactive in their cybersecurity endeavors.

Adoption of Proactive Cybersecurity Practices Shows Promising Signs

American citizens are embracing proactive approaches to fortify their online protection. The report shows that 61% of respondents in the U.S. demonstrate a strong commitment to staying informed about security updates by regularly updating their software and applications. Additionally, a significant majority (69%) express confidence in their ability to identify phishing attempts, leading to improved awareness of digital threats. This newfound confidence translates into action, as 51% of Americans actively report cybercrimes, particularly instances of phishing. However, the report also indicates that 39% of participants express frustration and 37% feel intimidated by the process of staying secure online, highlighting the need for user-friendly cybersecurity solutions.

Concerns and Victimization on the Rise

Cybersecurity concerns have intensified in the U.S., with 61% of participants expressing apprehension about becoming victims of cybercrime. Americans were the most targeted of all the countries surveyed, with 36% of respondents acknowledging they have been victims of one or more cybercrimes. Across all nations, there was a 7% increase in the overall number of people who felt they may become victims of cybercrime compared to last year. These fears highlight the necessity for continued efforts to bolster cybersecurity measures.

A Generational Divide Highlights Key Vulnerabilities

The report reveals a notable vulnerability among younger generations. Despite their understanding of online risks and security measures, younger individuals face a disproportionately higher rate of cybercrime victimization. In particular, 43% of Gen Z and 36% of Millennials reported being victims of cybercrimes, significantly more than the Silent Generation (20%) and Baby Boomers (15%) who lack access to formal cybersecurity training. Additionally, younger individuals are more likely to engage in risky online behavior, such as using personal information when creating passwords. Targeted educational initiatives are needed to empower older generations while incentivizing tech-savvy digital natives to adopt safer online behaviors.

Despite Increased Cyber Awareness, Gaps in Education and Training Persist

Awareness of cybersecurity practices is on the rise, but gaps in education and training persist. While 70% of respondents in the USA indicated familiarity with MFA, 30% of those aware of the feature admitted to not using it regularly. Concerns also linger around password security, as 38% of Americans incorporate personal information into their passwords, potentially jeopardizing the security of their accounts. Additionally, only 48% of respondents consistently back up their data. Addressing these educational gaps will be pivotal in enhancing cybersecurity knowledge and practices.

Cost and Access Challenges Persist

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 challenges related to cost and accessibility will be essential to ensure that cybersecurity remains attainable and affordable for all individuals in the US.

The collaborative cybersecurity study, supported by CybSafe, Iris® Powered by Generali, and CERT-NZ, has provided advanced insights into cybersecurity attitudes and behaviors. It highlights the need for continued efforts to improve cybersecurity education, bridge generational gaps, and make affordable and accessible cybersecurity solutions available to all individuals.