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UK workers still show a lack of cyber awareness, with many unable to identify common internet security terms which mean they are at risk from hackers, research claims.
Internet security firm ESET carried out a “cyber IQ test” on 1,000 UK workers, and claimed the results show the majority are still unclear on at least one area of cyber security, despite the increasingly public nature of cyber attacks on people and businesses.
In the last year eBay, Mumsnet, Sony Pictures and Ashley Madison have all been the subject of high-profile attacks.
According to the research, only 29% of those asked understood that a more complex password – containing a range of symbols, numbers and letters – was more effective. When asked if cyber criminals could attack mobile devices as well as PCs, 12% said no and 46% said they were not sure, despite mobile attacks being a common method of attack.
Earlier this year cyber experts were able to hack into and gain control of a moving car that had built-in WiFi.
However, 87% of those polled were able to identify the tactic of “phishing” when an enticing message is used to lure users to a malicious site.
Mark James, a security expert at ESET, said: “Phishing is without a doubt one of the biggest threats to consumers so it is very reassuring to see that the majority are aware of the threat.
“However, consumers need to understand that antivirus is only part of the solution, they also need to be careful where they click.”
A total of 23% of those surveyed said they thought having antivirus software installed meant they were fully protected from any cyber threat.
“Cyber criminals are constantly revolutionising threats to make them even harder to detect and you can never be 100% secure,” added James.
“Our study has shown that consumers are still very behind in terms of cyber awareness and could be putting themselves, and the organisations they work for, at risk.
“Cyber criminals are constantly looking at ways to exploit mobile devices and consumers should be aware of this.”
