Almost 50% of internet users are falsifying the data that companies ask them to hand over when signing up for services online, according to new research by security company RSA. Digital advertising and marketing contribute to a global industry worth hundreds of billions of pounds, but the data which underpins that industry may not be very reliable. Lee Munson, Security Researcher at Comparitech.com commented below.
Lee Munson, Security Researcher at Comparitech.com:
“Working in the information security training and awareness industry, I am especially glad to see that around half of all consumers are becoming savvy about the personal data they disclose online.
While some people may question the moral angle of handing over false information, it is the companies collecting that data that have directly led to consumers becoming wary of the advertising they receive, as well as the potential dangers should their data be snaffled up in a breach.
The only way to reverse this trend is for companies to collect and share less data and to protect what they have in a far more effective way than they are now, all of which will be addressed by the upcoming General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
In the meantime, I can only hope that the other half of the consumer base wakes up and realises the true value of the data they so freely share with companies, and other internet strangers alike.”
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