Impermium: Consumers waffling on Internet security

In June Harris Interactive polled online users on behalf of Impermium; they found that 79% are worried about email accounts, 55% worry about their social media accounts and 71% worry about online banking account security. Meanwhile nearly 20% say they haven't increased their security protocols - by using options like two-factor authentication - because 'it is inconvenient'. Other interesting findings include:

• 27% don't use two-factor authentication because they don't want to share their mobile numbers
• 39% blame the websites for security breaches, saying they need to employ better security
• 37% say weak passwords are to blame for breaches

"Despite heightened awareness of cyber threats and a clear demand for account protection, Americans are still hesitant to adopt new prevention techniques," said Mark Risher, CEO of Impermium. "Two-factor authentication has been held aloft as a 'silver bullet,' but a security system that isn't turned on provides no security. Only with intelligent, risk-based authentication mechanisms can service providers effectively protect users from account hijacking. Consumers and websites need an intelligent solution that is secure yet simple."

As for the cloud, it is also a danger zone, according to consumers. More than 40% say they worry about their personal information that is stored in the cloud. More than half (55%) are also worried about social media accounts being compromised. As for how many have been the victim of attacks:

• 56% say they've had a virus/malware infection on a computer
• 37% have fallen victim to phishing attacks, 20% have been victimized by social media phishing attacks
• 26% have had an account broken into

Image via Shutterstock

Tags: Impermium, online security, online security trends