Research by Kaspersky Lab and B2B International shows that when it comes to Internet security, consumer concern and awareness are both on the increase.
However, despite a growing recognition of the need to protect devices, many consumers are struggling to identify, install and use security software.
The study, which questioned 11,819 people from over 27 countries, assessed cyber security trends amongst consumers in today’s rapidly-evolving, multi-device, connected world. It found that consumers are using more connected devices than ever before, with the average household now owning 8 connected devices.
The research shows that mobile devices have replaced desktops as the main device for going online and tablets are also losing out to smartphones. In fact, 57% now use a smartphone to mainly access the Internet in 2015, an increase from 45% in 2012.
Whilst analyzing connected device usage, the research also demonstrates that consumers are increasingly concerned about online threats. 54% of respondents worried about their own and their family’s online activity in 2013 and 2014, but this rose to 57% in 2015.
Whilst a reassuring 93% of those surveyed claim to have installed some kind of security software on their desktop Windows PC, the level of protection is significantly lower for tablets and smartphones.
Only 32% of iPad users have installed security on their device, rising to 65% for Android tablets and 83% for Windows tablets. In addition, a worrying 26% have installed security software on their iPhone, compared to 44% of Windows Phone users and 60% of Android smartphone users.
“We hear that so many of today’s consumers say they struggle to find an appropriate Internet security solution. At Kaspersky Lab, we are working hard to fix this problem. We are listening to these concerns, and helping consumers get the protection they need, with clear and easy to use products that reflect the multi-device, connected life of today’s consumers,” said Elena Kharchenko, Head of Consumer Product Management, Kaspersky Lab.
