Study reveals security carelessness among UK public

More than 10% of Brits have assumed a fake identity online by sending a message via somebody else’s email or social media accounts.

This was among the revelations of a new study from customer security firm BehavioSec, which involved more than 1,000 participants through YouGov aged between 18 and 60. The company said that demand for convenience and ease is risking our security and digital identities.

More than one third (37%) of consumers in the UK confess to sharing usernames and passwords for web-based services with a partner or friend. The study also revealed that 10% have shared internet banking details, with 12% erroneously believing that the information is worthless to anyone other than themselves. Among the details shared the most often are passwords for email accounts (23%), passcodes for mobile phones (21%) and login information for digital media accounts, such as Hulu or Netflix.

BehavioSec CEO Dr Neil Costigan said:

“We are well aware that we should look after our authentication details, but when it comes to operating online, our desire for instant, streamlined access to our digital services often takes priority. Behavioural biometrics takes these priorities into account.”

Such disregard for online security by consumers is concerning in this day and age. Where it is also a worry, however, is in the workplace. Too many employees, and business owners for that matter, undervalue the importance of online security. This only stresses the importance of cyber security jobs and how important it is to have someone on board capable of shoring up a firm’s online security to help prevent an attack.