Content

Consumers Feel Hopeless in Protecting Themselves Against Cybercrime, ISACA Reports

Share
Cybercrime, piracy and data theft. Network security breach. Compromised computer showing skull and bones symbol. Digital 3D rendering concept.

Cybercrime, piracy and data theft. Network security breach. Compromised computer showing skull and bones symbol. Digital 3D rendering concept.

There is a “growing sense of hopelessness in consumers who think nothing can be done to protect them from cybercrime,” the ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) concludes in its new research.

37% Report Their Information Stolen

ISACA performed its inaugural consumer cybersecurity research in recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month during October (U.S.). It’s study of more than 3,000 consumers across the U.K., Australia, U.S. and India found that more than one in three consumers in these regions (37%) has had their personal information stolen by cyber criminals, the organization said in a prepared statement.

Consumers’ expectations that they may be the victim of cybercrime are high, with only one in three respondents believing it is unlikely to happen, ISACA reports.

The study also found that:

  • 33% of consumers report having severed ties with a company known to have experienced a breach.
  • 36% of consumers believe companies under-report breaches, even if required by law.
  • 23% of consumers are not confident a business can safely secure their personal identifiable information.
  • 65%) of consumers would be more confident doing business with companies that hire certified cybersecurity professionals.
  • 69% of consumers surveyed believe companies should be independently graded on data security practices and the scores shared with the public.

Adding perspective to the survey results, Shannon Donahue, ISACA senior vice president, Publishing, said:

“The prevalence of cyberattacks worldwide understandably leaves an impact on consumer confidence, which in turn has a ripple effect. Organizations that prove to consumers that they are bolstering their cybersecurity programs and strengthening their security workforce to protect their customers will differentiate themselves and build digital trust in the process.”

Cyber Resources Available

During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, ISACA is providing a 20% discount on its Cybersecurity Fundamentals Online Review Course (enter code PRODCYBERMONTH22). To learn more, visit the ISACA store.

ISACA will feature several cybersecurity sessions at ISACA Conference Europe, October 19-21 in Rome.

Founded 50 years ago, ISACA serves more than 165,000 members in 188 countries across 220 chapters, in aiding enterprise transformation and enabling innovation in a fast-changing technological world.

Jim Masters

Jim Masters is Managing Editor of MSSP Alert, and holds a B.A. degree in Journalism from Northern Illinois University. His career has spanned governmental and investigative reporting for daily newspapers in the Northwest Indiana Region and 16 years in a global internal communications role for a Fortune 500 professional services company. Additionally, he is co-owner of the Lake County Corn Dogs minor league baseball franchise, located in Crown Point, Indiana. In his spare time, he enjoys writing and recording his own music, oil painting, biking, volleyball, golf and cheering on the Corn Dogs.

Related