VeriSign - Australians Not Serious About Online Threats

On December 19, 2008, VeriSign, an online security firm, released the result of a survey in which it found that around 84% of Aussies got phishing mails last year. In spite of the fact that high number of people received phishing mails, a striking 97% of users still think that they are at minimum risk from online threats.

The respondents gave many reasons for perceived low risk. Some say that they don't reveal private details on social networking websites and some claim that they have updated anti-virus program on their systems.

Although users appear to be leading on the right path in terms of online protection, further studies reveal otherwise. The firm's survey discloses that almost 50% of the respondents claimed that they use the similar password on various sites. Surprisingly, 10% of them keep their passwords saved on or near their computer systems. A small number of users (around 1 out of 5) change their passwords regularly.

Director of Identity and Authentication Services at VeriSign, Australia, Ed Elliff, said the survey discloses that Aussies accept that their only online fear is losing their credit card or ID details, and still they are not adopting any measures to protect themselves, as reported by ITWire on December 19, 2008.

He also claims that they have important details stored in poorly secured online mail accounts, bank accounts and social networking websites. As the Christmas festive season is approaching, he hopes users turn to internet at a larger rate and therefore, security needs to be maintained.

Fortunately, the survey also brings forth some positive news. Almost 94% of respondents said that they avoid using sites that are not safe. And another 82% admit that they should be extra vigilant for their online security.

VeriSign's security experts commented that Aussies worry about their monetary details falling into criminal's hands. But it has gone ahead of banking, phishing, ID theft, and the heightened trend of checking users' movements on social networking sites pose a trough security risks.

Finally, the security experts also added that the Australians need to understand that this could happen to anyone at any point of time unless they undertake appropriate measures.

Related article: Viruses Pose Biggest Threat to Asian Companies

» SPAMfighter News - 12/26/2008