A recent study conducted by Thales reveals that a significant number of UK consumers are apathetic towards their own online security, with 34% admitting to giving up on following cyber security best practices. This apathy is driven by feelings of confusion, futility, and information overload, with over half of the respondents struggling to understand the rapid advancements in technology and their implications on personal security. The study highlights the need for improved security education to create a secure interconnected world.
The research also exposes a lack of consumer understanding about key cybersecurity issues. For instance, 22% of respondents admitted to having no clue about where their data is stored, leading to a lack of concern about companies’ data storage practices. This lack of awareness is further exacerbated by the fact that almost half of the participants (47%) confessed to signing terms and conditions without thoroughly reading them, potentially putting their data privacy at risk. Additionally, 57% of respondents suspect that companies intentionally use complex language in terms and conditions to hide the extent to which individuals unknowingly give up their personal data.
Despite the well-known risks associated with data security, the study found that a majority of consumers (56%) always accept cookies on websites for the sake of convenience, prioritizing user experience over security. Furthermore, only slightly over two-fifths of respondents (44%) use multi-factor authentication across all their online accounts, despite it being one of the simplest ways to protect one’s identity online.
Chris Harris, EMEA Technical Director at Thales, suggests that the problem lies not in awareness but in the overwhelming amount of information available on how to stay safe online. This “cybersecurity fatigue” has caused consumer adherence to best practices to decline. Harris emphasizes the need for companies to consider this fatigue when communicating with customers about data security. He also highlights the use of industry-specific terms, such as “digital sovereignty,” “data compliance,” and “third-party cookies,” which can alienate the broader consumer population and make it difficult for individuals to protect themselves from threats they don’t understand.
In conclusion, the Thales study highlights the alarming level of consumer apathy towards online security in the UK. It emphasizes the need for improved security education and clearer communication from companies to enable individuals to protect their data effectively. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial for consumers to understand the basics of cybersecurity and for businesses to prioritize user security alongside user experience.
