UK consumers are being slapdash with their personal details online and leaving themselves open to data security threats, according to a new study.
The Security Index survey of 3,000 Brits by the Lateral Group showed that attitudes towards keeping details such as passwords, pins and account numbers safe are slack, despite the recent national coverage surrounding data breaches.
The majority of survey respondents seemed relaxed about their online accounts, with three quarters (75%) saying they felt their information was secure online. Only 30% said they thought it was their responsibility to keep their details secure online.
Over half (56%) of those surveyed admitted to sharing their online security details with partners, family or friends, and 15% said they sent this information to others via text or email.
Many people seem to opt for convenience over safety online, using the same passwords to manage their multiple accounts. More than a fifth (22%) of Brits say they have more than ten accounts active online, and almost half (49%) say they use the same password for some or all of these accounts.
Not everyone is slack about their online security, however. Over a fifth (22%) surveyed said they always shred or destroy confidential account information, and only 6% of us say we have our pin number written down.
The research also explored the part that businesses have to play in keeping consumer information safe, and of the 1000 business decision makers surveyed, almost a third (30%) said they did not send regular information to their customers about how to update and store their security details.
Lateral Group chief executive Jason Cromack commented: “Data security is at the front of everybody’s minds these days, and with many of us having over ten accounts active online, it’s concerning that not more of us are paying attention to how we keep our personal information secure.
“That said, businesses have a huge role to play as well in this issue. Whilst most companies make sure they are fully compliant with all industry regulations and play an active role in keeping their customers safe, they do also need to remember it is their responsibility to make sure customers are armed with the knowledge to protect themselves online and that they communicate with them regularly to ensure this.”
