Survey Shows Young UK Adults Lack Cyber Security Awareness

A new survey by the UK government’s Cyber Aware campaign shows that young Brits lack cyber security awareness, say reports today. The survey shows that over half (52%) of Brits aged 18-25 use the same password for multiple online services, making it easier for their accounts to be hacked. It also shows that people send highly sensitive data via e-mail and other accounts, with over three quarters (79%) of all respondents of all ages saying they have used messaging systems to send copies of driving licences and passports, and bank details. Lisa Baergen, Director at NuData Security Inc., a Mastercard Company commented below.

Lisa Baergen, Director at NuData Security Inc.:

“Old habits are hard to break and using the same password for all online accounts is one of them. Some customers use password manager tools, but they are still the minority, leaving the rest at higher risk of becoming account takeover victims. It is incumbent on banks and online retailers to help protect customers by correctly identifying them online with high confidence even if their credentials, passwords, and devices are stolen. Next-generation technologies such as passive biometrics combined with behavioural analytics accurately identify consumers by their behaviour. Cutting-edge intelligence helps companies understand and verify their users before they become victims of fraud.

Our data is the currency that bad actors use for identity theft. This tsunami of stolen information is the driver behind identity theft that has already reached epidemic proportions. Bad actors have obliterated traditional security methods and are now employing machine learning and automation to steal information and impersonate real customers. All of this points to a much-needed paradigm shift in how we think about authentication.

Online authentication shouldn’t rely on data points such as passwords or other widely-stolen personal information. Instead, online verification should be based on multiple layers that include passive biometrics to evaluate the user’s inherent behaviour – the one that can’t be mimicked by an imposter. These multi-factor methods are proving to be an efficient way to protect customers, even if they reuse passwords across different accounts.”