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Third of computer users have infected storage devices
While the majority of computer users are more likely to fall victim to cybercrime online, a recent survey indicates 32% of users contract computer infections caused by portable data carriers (optical discs or USB drives). Even if a user is confident that his/her computer is securely protected, an infected USB stick from friends or family could result in data loss.
The survey, undertaken for Kaspersky Lab by O+K Research in May 2012, found users worry about cyber-threats and unauthorised access to their personal data and the devices on which it is stored. According to the survey, this problem affected 14% of desktop and laptop users, 12% of tablet owners and 10% of those respondents with smartphones.
It should be noted here that unauthorised access to personal data is not always caused by an infection; the culprit could just as easily turn out to be a nosy work colleague or a complete stranger who finds your lost device. That's why the most effective security measure is to encrypt all your sensitive files.
Data interception
Another relatively widespread method for stealing user data is that of data interception on wireless networks, particularly Wi-Fi. Nowadays many cafes, restaurants and other public areas offer hot-spots that rarely use passwords or encryption. That means anyone can use these networks and intercepting and analysing traffic on these networks is a relatively simple task for the cybercriminals.
The experts at O+K Research found that 46% of smartphone users and 48% of tablet owners use unsecured public networks and 29% of those with laptops also make use of free Wi-Fi. What is more, over half of the respondents use these networks every day or at least 2-3 times a week. This rather worrying statistic demonstrates that users clearly underestimate the dangers of free Wi-Fi. When it comes to wireless networks, it is very easy to avoid the threat of your data being intercepted by only using secured hot-spots.
What the initial survey findings show is that consumers live in quite an insecure environment, and may be attacked by cybercriminals using multiple vulnerable spots. Therefore, safeguarding people's personal data requires even more than standard anti-malware protection. Securing online data exchange, protecting financial transactions, blocking infected and fraudulent web pages - these features combined together is the proper defence tactics.
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