Global survey finds that most respondents are misinformed about the source and impact of modern malware
DURHAM, NC – June 24, 2011 – A new study released by G Data Software finds that Americans’ knowledge of Internet security is scattered with misconceptions and fallacies that expose PC users to a slew of online threats. The G Data Internet Security Survey 2011 entitled, “How do users assess threats on the Internet?,” surveyed nearly 16,000 PC users in 11 countries, including more than 5,500 respondents in the United States.
The international report found that Americans are dangerously out-of-touch with the sophistication of today’s threat landscape. When asked if they are more wary of being exposed to malware on porn sites or horseback riding sites, more than 40% of Americans said porn sites. However, in reality, hobby and amateur sites are far easier to attack than adult sites. Hobby sites are also much slower in removing malware — and with visitors not being careful on these sites — they pose a greater infection risk than adult sites, where visitors expect danger.
When it comes to how malware impacts computers, consumer expectations overwhelmingly haven’t kept pace with today’s stealthy threats. Nearly all Americans reported that contaminated computers would show signs of infection through slowdowns, crashes, or pop-ups. Yet, today’s malware is operated by professionals looking to surreptitiously steal sensitive information, without risking detection. The survey includes several other notable findings, including:
- Nearly 88% of Americans report using internet security software to protect their PCs, with 46% using paid antivirus software and 42.7% relying on free versions. The U.K. had the highest number of users with a internet security solution installed (94%), while Russia had the lowest (83%).
- 54% of Americans believe that most malware is spread through email, but in today’s world the biggest threat is from malicious links – spread not only via email, but also instant message, social networks, and other social channels. And yet, more than half of Americans click on links in social networks. Only 49.4% do not click on any links on social networks.
- Even though no free antivirus product currently offers full-suite protection (including antispam, web filters, firewalls, etc), 82% of Americans believe that free antivirus software is as good as paid antivirus software.
- Among those Americans who use antivirus software, nearly 60% believe they have a full-suite of protection – however, only 46% use paid antivirus software. Because only paid antivirus software has full-suite protection, many PC users wrongly believe they are fully-protected. There’s a domino effect at play here, for example, if these users spread links that they believe have been scanned, but their free antivirus solution doesn’t actually have that capability.
- Nearly 53% of Americans wrongly believe that torrent and peer-to-peer sites are the largest source of malware, when as mentioned, malicious websites reign here.
- Overall, Americans stack closely to other surveyed nations. Germans were the best informed about the threats lurking online, while Russian respondents believed the most security myths.
The full G Data 2011 Internet Security Survey, including country-by-country comparisons, can be found here: G Data Software’s Security Survey 2011: How do users assess threats on the Internet?
About G Data Software, Inc.
Founded in 1985, G Data Software is one of the world’s first antivirus providers, with offices and distribution in more than 90 countries worldwide. The company provides proven enterprise and consumer security solutions, including antivirus, antispyware, antiphishing, and firewall software. In addition to products, the company runs a world-class malware research lab, Security Labs, which monitors and analyzes current computing threats on a global basis, partnering with organizations, governments and nonprofits to fulfil a variety of needs. The company has recently established operations in North America, located in the heart of Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. For more information on the company, its products, or Security Labs, visit www.gdata-software.com.
Tags: anti virus, antivirus, Internet Security, Internet threats, malware
