Internet users in the EU are particularly concerned about security, according to a Eurobarometer survey.
76% of European citizens believe that the risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime has increased in 2013 compared to 2012. Furthermore, 12% of Internet users have already been the victim of a breach of their social media account or email. 70% of Internet users in the EU are confident in their ability to use the Internet for shopping or banking, but only 50% of them actually choose to use it, due to the risks of becoming a victim of cybercrime.
The two main concerns regarding such online activities are related to the misuse of personal data (37% of respondents) and the security of online payments (35%).
However, according to the EU poll, more and more EU citizens feel well informed about the risks of cybercrime than in 2012 (44% compared to 38%). However, it seems that they do not always draw all the necessary conclusions from the relevant information. For example, less than half of internet users have changed their internet password in the past year (48% compared to 45% in 2012).
According to the survey, which involved over 27,000 people across all Member States, 87% of respondents avoid revealing personal data online. Most users still do not feel well informed about the risks of cybercrime, while 7% have been the victim of online fraud in relation to their credit card or bank account.
Source: newsit.gr
