Phishing emails in the inbox, online fraud with fake shops or blackmail with stolen data – many Internet users do not feel safe online.
The majority of internet users feel unsafe online
In a current survey commissioned by the digital association Bitkom among 1,014 people in Germany aged 16 and over who use the Internet, a majority (52 percent) stated that they feel somewhat (28 percent) or very (24 percent) unsafe online. On the other hand, 29 percent feel rather safe, only 15 percent feel very safe.
“The threat situation on the Internet is getting worse. Not only are critical infrastructures and companies threatened by attacks by cybercriminals or state-controlled groups, but anyone and everyone can also become a target,” says Bitkom Managing Director Dr. Bernhard Rohleder. “It is important not to bury your head in the sand, but to take fundamental protective measures. This includes installing software updates and using virus scanners and firewalls, as well as using secure passwords and two-factor authentication.”
The vast majority see themselves as having a duty to protect themselves online.
70 percent consider themselves primarily responsible, only 15 percent hold the state responsible, 13 percent hold companies such as Internet providers or manufacturers of hardware and software responsible.
“People want to protect themselves online – and to do that they need knowledge and tools. It is the responsibility of politics and business to provide the information necessary for solid protection. And companies have to ensure that the necessary technical tools are available and easy to use,” says Rohleder.
One possibility is offered by offers relating to the nationwide Digital Day and initiatives such as “Germany safe online”. “The prerequisite for true digital participation is that everyone can move safely and confidently in the digital world,” says Rohleder.
Note on methodology: The information is based on a survey that Bitkom Research conducted on behalf of the digital association Bitkom. 1,014 people aged 16 and over in Germany who use the Internet were surveyed by telephone. The survey is representative. The question was “Generally asked: How safe do you feel on the Internet?” and “Who do you think is primarily responsible for your security on the Internet?”
Source: Bitkom
Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )