Report: Users shun responsibility for online security

One in six of the 2,441 respondents said that they feel that their bank is wholly accountable for their internet protection, whilst 13 per cent argue that it is up to their internet service provider, according to the latest Get Safe Online report.

The government backed initiative also found that more than one in ten (12 per cent) of the people surveyed have experienced some form of internet fraud over the past year – at an average loss of £875 each.

In the same period, six per cent of all internet users suffered fraud while shopping online and four per cent were subject to bank account or credit card fraud as a result of online activity.

“As we make more services available online we need users to take the same basic precautions in using the internet as they would when making transactions in the high street,” said Pat McFadden, minister for Transformational Government.

“The internet is a fantastic resource and its use is growing daily,” added Tony Neate, managing director of Get Safe Online. “Unfortunately, it is now being used by criminals who are out to defraud us. Our message is that each one of us has to take greater personal responsibility for our own online security.”

However, Gary Clark, at SafeNet said: “The onus should be on all organisations that transact online to ensure their customers’ data is adequately protected by implementing the right technology. Until we see a universal approach to internet security, combining the responsibilities of online consumers and organisations, online fraud will continue to grow.”

The research found that 93 per cent of internet surfers use the web daily and that, on average, we each spend £1,044 per year buying goods and other services online.

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