UK workers remain in ignorant bliss over cyber threats

Employees in the UK are still displaying insufficient cyber awareness. Many have proved unable to recognise essential security terminology, putting them at risk of cyber crime, claims recent research.

Cyber security company ESET conducted a “cyber IQ test” on 1,000 employees. The research claims that a high percentage of the participants remain confused in one or more sectors of IT security.

Last year saw high-profile cyber attacks surrounding Ashley Madison, Sony Pictures, Mumsnet, and eBay, as well as the recent attack on Talk Talk.

The research showed that just 29% of workers surveyed knew that more advanced passwords, such as those containing a variety of letters, numbers, and symbols, are less likely to result in cyber crime. They were asked if hackers were able to tap into mobile phones and tablets in addition to PCs, and 12% believed they could not, with 46% saying that they were unsure, despite a higher number of mobile devices being attacked over PCs.

ESET security expert Mark James said:

“Phishing is without a doubt one of the biggest threats to consumers so it is very reassuring to see that the majority are aware of the threat. However, consumers need to understand that antivirus is only part of the solution, they also need to be careful where they click.”

Unless awareness increases, UK businesses will be helpless to the next wave of cyber attacks. These firms need to take a look at how they are prioritising their IT security recruitment plans in order to assess whether they have sufficient expertise in place.