Online threats require change in online ‘behaviour’

Peter Dinham
Sunday, 01 November 2009 14:07

Business IT - Security

Americans, it seems, are getting the message that Internet safety and security is critical to their daily lives but many still need to employ safer cyber 'hygiene' and apply better ‘online behaviour’ to meet the threats of today that permeate the online environment.

{mosloadpopsition peter}According to the 2009 National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA)-Symantec Online Safety Study, released as part of October’s Cyber Security Awareness Month in the US,  the online behaviours of some Americans ”limit their ability to protect their valuable information and data,” despite the fact that the study results show that 85 percent of Americans feel they are “most responsible for keeping their computers secure, and 40% feel that individual computer users are most responsible for keeping the entire Internet secure.”

The study revealed that only 27% of Americans make an electronic backup of their critical files on a weekly basis and more than 55% backup their files less often than once a month. 

“Couple those findings with the fact that the use of computers to store personal data such as photos (76%), music (60%), banking information (39%) and tax returns (30%) continues to steadily rise, computer users face potential significant losses of valuable information,” warns NCSA executive director, Michael Kaiser.

Kaiser makes the point that passwords are also a critical component of cybersecurity enabling computer users to securely access online services and personal information, but nevertheless, the study found that less than 25% of those polled change passwords quarterly and more than 50% of Americans never change them.  In addition, 40% of those surveyed don’t use different passwords for their various online accounts. 

Kaiser said computer users have a high level of control over the passwords they use, and the NCSA recommends the use of long, complex passwords that incorporate upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols, along with different passwords for every account and a change of passwords at least once every 90 days to prevent hackers accessing multiple accounts.

“The fact that 85% of Americans believe they are most responsible for their own online security is a significant sign that awareness efforts are paying off and each one of us understands the important role we play in securing the Internet. However, cybersecurity requires vigilance, maintenance and contingency planning every day of the year.  Complex passwords and backing up are critical.  Americans are doing better; they need to do better still and integrate cybersecurity into their lives until its second nature.”

According to the NCSA, the survey results also demonstrate that while Americans are taking ownership for their online security, “there is still much need for ongoing education and awareness efforts.”

“While everyone should use an internet security suite, education is critical for staying safe online. This means developing good habits while you enjoy the Internet and staying aware of today’s threats,” said Janice Chaffin, group president, consumer business unit at Symantec.