Some Statistics on Awareness of Threats in Cyberspace

According to a 2007 report from McAfee/National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA):

- 98% of American personal computer users believe that security is important

- 93% believe they have taken the appropriate steps to safeguard their system.

- 99% have heard of spyware

- 75% have heard about phishing

So it is fairly clear that the vast majority of PC users understand the threats posed in cyberspace. While such awareness is heartening, it tells only half of the story:

- 92% of those surveyed believed their virus protection was up-to-date. In reality, just 51% had a current update to their software within the past week.

- 73% believed they had a firewall installed. In reality, only 64% had it enabled.

- 70% believed they had anti-spyware software installed. In reality, only 60% had it properly installed and configured.

- 27% said they had anti-phishing software installed. In reality, only 12% were properly covered.

- Only 24% of Americans have anti-spyware software installed, an enabled firewall, and anti-virus protection that had been updated within the past week. (This statistic is especially troubling because all three of those components must be part of any reasonably effective security system for one’s PC.)

- 54% of Americans say they have had a virus on their computer, while, unbelievably 15% AREN’T SURE!!!

- 44% of those surveyed reported that they believed they had spyware or adware on their home PC

- 74% report having received a phishing email, with 92% of them saying the email looked eerily authentic

Perhaps these statistics would be less troublesome if:

- 87% of Americans reported storing personal financial, health, professional, and personal information on their computer

- 88% go online to use their computer to bank, trade stocks, and/or review their personal medical information

This survey shows while Americans are aware of the threats in cyberspace, and many have already fallen victim to some of them. Yet, people are painfully ignorant with regard to both the protection they have, as well as the protection they will need.