Security risks are higher than ever: Norton Survey

NEW DELHI, INDIA: While today’s generation can’t stop thanking the Internet enough as they believe it to improve their communication, connectivity and inter-personal relationships, the whole picture is not so rosy, or so says the Norton Online Living report.

The report suggests that when it comes to knowing what your kids are surfing and for what duration, parents were found clueless.

The worldwide survey also found that a whopping 99 percent of adults worldwide say they have taken steps to secure their personal information, yet unsafe surfing, dangerous habits and hacked computers are alarmingly common. Half of online adults knowingly visit un-trusted websites, do not back up their data and use unsafe passwords. One in three reported having actually been hacked.

Seven in 10 adults say that the Internet has improved their relationships. And it is no wonder: people have an average of 41 online friends, 49 percent have a social networking page, and 25 percent even share secrets online. In fact, the Internet has become such a central vehicle for communication and connection that six in 10 adults say they could not live without it. All these findings clearly depicted the increasing dependence on the Internet these days.

Last year’s report found that one in five kids admitted to looking at or doing things online that they knew their parents wouldn’t condone. This year they got caught, with one in five kids getting nabbed by parents for unapproved online behavior.

The good news is that 90 percent of parents recognize their responsibility to protect kids online and are initiating more dialogue on the topic—20 percent more than last year.

One in three online kids are more willing to communicate with their family about touchy subjects online than on the phone or in person. This percentage almost triples in India (59 percent). 91 percent of parents in India say it is their responsibility to keep their kids safe online.

Despite the fact that 99 percent of adults feel they take steps to be secure, this year’s report found that many consumers are not fully protected as they flirt, share and make friends online. While the average consumer is aware of the need for Internet security, some do not run virus scans or have adequate protection today’s threats. Even more troubling, two in 10 adults worldwide do not use any security software at all. Adults in India rank the highest when it comes to not having the basic security measures.

“The Internet has become a regular part of our daily lives, creating a myriad of opportunities for people to connect with each other. In India we have witnessed a frenzy of online activity via social networking—from rediscovering cousins across the world, to virtually ‘making friends’ and acquaintances and even rekindling old flames,” said Gaurav Kanwal, Country Sales Manager—India, Consumer Products and Solutions. “While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, people need to be mindful of the dangers. Especially for parents, it is not just about security precautions, it’s also about staying in tune with your kids—both online and offline.”