Three-quarters of people feel unsafe online—and cybersecurity isn’t helping

A new report claims that three out of four internet users worry about their safety online.

F-Secure’s Living Secure report finds that even as people spend an average of eight hours online, they’re anxious about how much they rely upon their connected devices. Nearly seven out of ten (69 percent) of those surveyed said they don’t know who to trust online.

There is also little optimism that online safety will improve, with 64 percent expecting cyber risk to increase in the next 12 months.

“With all the headlines about cybercrime and breaches, along with barrage of scams and threats we all face, the majority of people simply do not feel safe online,” said Timo Laaksonen, F-Secure CEO. “Tragically, our industry has not yet been able to solve this issue.”

Worries abound even though nearly three in four (74 percent) also use some form of internet security. That could be because two-thirds (66 percent) say cyber security is too complex. So, it’s not surprising that most users (51 percent) said that they have no idea if their devices are secure.

“This report reveals what we believe is the crux of the problem,” Laaksonen added. “Online security products and services should be doing much more to offer people a sense of security”

The report finds tasks like communication and money matters are the online activities people value most. The most important digital moments according to the survey respondents are sending and receiving emails, paying bills, finances/banking, sending messages through SMS and apps like WhatsApp, and online shopping.

“Digital services are inseparable from our daily lives,” said Laura Kankaala, F-Secure threat intelligence lead. “The data we create from living profoundly digital lives helps explain why most people say that what’s on their phone is worth more than the phone itself.”

Most respondents believe the data generated by their online activities is highly valuable, with 52 percent saying the data on their device—which includes files, photos, and contacts—is worth more than €1,000. Likewise, 57 percent said they would rather have their car stolen than their identity.

“A brilliantly simple security solution is the first step restoring people’s trust in their devices and their cyber security,” said Laaksonen.

Coinciding with the report, F-Secure has launched a new version of its flagship product. F-Secure Total now offers security, privacy, identity protection, password management, banking protection and parental controls in one app.

“But simplicity alone is not enough, said Laaksonen. “We also must demystify the process, debunk bad information, and improve cyber security awareness.”

Check out April’s Think Cybersecurity for Government virtual event here.