The UKs Get Safe Online report provides some frightening facts. From a lack of up-to-date security software to a failure to understand that internet security requires layers of security software, UK internet users are leaving themselves wide open to online ID theft and fraud.
Your identity is worth up to £14,500 to internet criminals.
The UK online: A fraudsters paradise
- Anti-virus software is used by 85 per cent of those surveyed by ICM on behalf of the Get Safe Online campaign - This is good news;
- 48 per cent of net users surveyed failed to update definition files at least monthly - This is poor practice, signature based security software need updating often;
- Anti-spyware protection was used by less than 23 per cent - UK internet users clearly do not know that anti-spyware offers real-time protection that is always on unlike signature based software;
- Nearly half (47 per cent) of UK internet users are not using any anti-phishing website authentication software - This is dreadful, phishing attacks are the preferred means for most attacks.
You are at risk
UK attitudes to online safety are patchy, leaving UK internet users open to scammers who empty compromised accounts of funds on a whim.
The lack of protection against phishing scams is concerning due to the increased presence of this type of scam.
- It is estimated that an average UK worker earns £23,764 a year;
- The average UK adult owns 2+ credit cards;
- The average UK worker has the equivalent of a months salary in reserve;
- If you fall into any, or all, of the categories above this makes you worth £14,500 to internet criminals.
Protect yourself
Take time to educate yourself and your family so you understand the risks and apply reasonable judgement when you're online.
Internet threats are always changing and Internet crime runs across borders. It is up to you to be wise to online threats.
Protect your PC
Ensure your PC is secure by doing a 'SAFE' check:
S = Spyware - run an anti-spyware programme
A = Anti-virus - get anti-virus protection
F = Firewall - have a firewall and make sure it's switched on
E = Ensure your operating system is updated
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