We are living in an era dominated by digital connectivity. You cannot overstate the importance of cybersecurity. As technology advances, so do the threats that lurk in the online world.

Often, it is our own actions that leave us most at risk of a cyberattack or online scam. Risky behaviors include weak passwords and lax security policies as well as thinking, “this won’t happen to me.” Human error is the cause of approximately 88% of data breaches.

The National Cybersecurity Alliance and CybSafe are working to correct poor cyber hygiene. Each year, the duo publishes a report on cybersecurity attitudes and behaviors. The goal is to educate both people and businesses on how to better secure their digital landscapes.

This year’s study surveyed over 6,000 people across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Germany, France, and New Zealand. The survey asked questions including knowledge of cybersecurity risks, security best practices, and challenges faced.

The report reveals some eye-opening insights such as how people perceive and respond to cyber threats and what they can do to improve their cybersecurity posture. Here are some of the key findings from the report.

We Are Online…a Lot

It is no surprise that 93% of the study participants are online daily. The logins we create continue to expand. Logins for what are considered “sensitive” accounts hold personal information that could be harmful if stolen.

Nearly half (47%) of the study’s respondents have 10 or more sensitive online accounts. This amplifies risk especially if people are using the same password for two or more of those accounts.

Source: The Annual Cybersecurity Attitudes and Behaviors Report 2023

Online Security Makes People Frustrated

Most people (84%) feel that online security is a priority. But as many as 39% feel frustrated, and nearly the same percentage feel intimidated. Just over 50% thought digital security was under their control, which leaves a significant number of people who do not think so.

It seems difficult to get ahead of the hackers but that is no reason to let down your guard and become an easy target. There are best practices you can put in place to help safeguard your online accounts that work such as enabling multi-factor authentication on your accounts, employing an email spam filter, adding a DNS filter to block malicious websites, and using strong password best practices

People Need More Access to Cybersecurity Training

One way to reduce human errors associated with cybersecurity is to train people. The survey found that only 26% of respondents had access to cybersecurity training.

The survey broke down these responses by employment status. We see that respondents who are actively employed lack adequate cybersecurity training. Only 53% of respondents who are employed reported having access to cybersecurity awareness training and using it.

Source: The Annual Cybersecurity Attitudes and Behaviors Report 2023

Employers can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to a data breach by beefing up their security awareness training. Those individuals who are retired or not actively employed can take advantage of a limited number of free courses about cybersecurity awareness and training online.

Cybercrime Reporting Is Increasing

Over a quarter (27%) of survey participants said they had been a victim of cybercrime.

The types of cybercrimes reported include phishing (47%), online dating scams (27%) and dentity theft (26%).

Which generation reported the most cybercrime incidents? Millennials. In fact, Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation reported the fewest events.

Source: The Annual Cybersecurity Attitudes and Behaviors Report 2023

No matter where you fall in the generations, it is important to adopt security best practices. We will run through some of these best practices next.

Online Security Best Practices to Reduce Your Risk

1. Strong, Unique Passwords:

  • Start with the basics. Create strong, unique passwords for each online account.
  • Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):

  • Enhance your account security with multi-factor authentication (MFA).
  • MFA adds an extra barrier to unauthorized access, even for compromised passwords.

3. Regular Software Updates:

  • Keep all your software, including operating systems and mobile apps, up to date.

4. Beware of Phishing Attacks:

  • Exercise caution when clicking on links or opening attachments, especially in emails from unknown sources.
  • Verify the legitimacy of emails and websites. Check for subtle red flags, such as misspelled URLs or unfamiliar sender addresses.

5. Use Secure Wi-Fi Networks:

  • Ensure you connect to a secure and password-protected Wi-Fi network.
  • Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions unless using a virtual private network (VPN).

6. Data Backup:

  • Regularly back up important data to an external device or a secure cloud service.

7. Use Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software:

  • Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software on all devices.
  • Regularly scan your systems for potential threats.

8. Be Mindful of Social Media Settings:

  • Review and adjust your privacy settings on social media platforms.
  • Limit the amount of personal information visible to the public.

9. Secure Your Personal Devices:

  • Lock your devices with strong passwords or biometric authentication.

10. Educate and Stay Informed:

  • Educate yourself and your team through cybersecurity awareness programs. This fosters a culture of vigilance and preparedness.

Schedule Cybersecurity Awareness Training Today

A little education on cybersecurity goes a long way toward protecting your data. Our experts can provide security training at the level you need. We will help you fortify your defences against phishing, scams, and cyberattacks.

Contact Prime Telecommunications and Managed Technology Solutions today to schedule a chat.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.