1 Out Of 3 People Believe Every Website Contain Security Risk

Avira, an IT security firm carried out a survey of computer users globally in July 2010, which revealed that 1 out of 3 users believe that almost every website is dangerous.

In the survey done by Avira, its 100 million users globally, were asked that, where do they think the maximum threat of malware infection lies on the Internet?

Most of the users, which is around 34%, answered that regarding the security factor, almost every website is evenly dangerous, on the Internet. Although latest browsers and anti-virus software are doing a remarkable job of blocking infections, still it is shocking to find that figure, as per the security experts.

The survey reveals that users are very much aware of the malware's capability to be enclosed in visibly harmless content. The users are also made to believe that, Internet is the most preferred medium for malware activity.

The reality has also been proved in certain ways that almost any website can contain security risk. Earlier, many legal and trusted websites harmed user's computers with malware, e.g. the popular new website 'New York Times' got infected with malware in 2009.

Besides, the survey disclosed that around 26.69% users find the famous Warez sites (which provide illicit software) extremely dangerous and can harm the computer with malware.

Moreover, as per 12.59% of respondents, browser games like poker etc. are very popular and hence carry maximum risk. Furthermore, 22% of users revealed that users are prone to such risks, especially, while browsing pornographic websites.

A mere 4.14% of users find the big portals particularly risky, because of their popularity.

Commenting on the survey results, Sorin Mustaca, Data Security Expert at Avira GmbH stated that, while it was good to see that more than 33% of users were aware of the fact that all websites could be risky, but on the other hand it was also a disturbing fact that such a huge number of users could not trust any of the websites which they browse, according to Avira's blog released on 31st Aug, 2010.

Related article: “Loopholes did not cause online banking thefts”: ICBC

» SPAMfighter News - 9/7/2010