2013 Norton Report: Cost per Cybercrime Victim Up 50 Percent
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| Consumers Sleeping With Their Smartphones and Tablets, but Failing to Use Protection |
Symantec recently released findings from the 2013 Norton Report, which shows that while the number of online adults who have experienced cybercrime has decreased (from 46 percent in 2012 to 41 percent) , the average cost per victim has risen by 50 percent (US$298 up from US$197 in 2012).
“Today’s cybercriminals are using more sophisticated attacks, such as ransomware and spear-phishing, which yield them more money per attack than ever before,” said Philip Routley, Symantec’s Product Marketing Manager for Consumer and SMB. “With 49% of consumers using their personal mobile device for both work and play, this creates entirely new security risks for enterprises as cybercriminals have the potential to access even more valuable information.”
This year’s report further reveals that as consumers become more mobile and connected, these conveniences often come at a cost to them and their security. Despite the fact that 63 percent of those surveyed own smartphones and 30 percent own tablets, nearly one-in-two don’t take basic precautions such as using passwords, having security software or backing up files on their mobile device.
“Unfortunately while consumers are protecting their computers, there is a general lack of awareness to safeguard their smartphones and tablets. It’s as if they have alarm systems for their homes, but they’re leaving their cars unlocked with the windows wide open. This carelessness places them, and their digital identities, at risk,” he added.
The 2013 Norton Report also finds that many consumers are engaging in risky behavior that has them playing a game of chance with their private information, putting them at risk of becoming the next victim of online criminals. Survey results show that this isn’t entirely due to lack of awareness. In fact, one-third (34 percent) of consumers surveyed admitted that the convenience of being constantly connected outweighed any potential security risks. Even when 62 percent said that there is no such thing as “online privacy” in today’s world and 61 percent assume that “everything they put online will / can be seen by any and everyone.”
Source: Symantec
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