McAfee Corp today released findings from the ‘2021 Consumer Security Mindset Survey’, revealing how Indians are ensuring their online security in an increasingly digital-first world with an accelerated adoption of connected devices. With people confined to their homes owing to the pandemic, right from adopting the work from home culture to adoption of distance learning, there’s been a rise in usage of connected devices.
Cybercriminals too have worked feverishly to launch COVID-19-themed attacks that increased by 240% in Q3 and 114% in Q4 last year, with an average of 648 new threats per minute. In this backdrop, it is encouraging to see that increasingly, Indian consumers are realizing the importance of online security. According to McAfee’s new survey, 88% of Indian consumers feel they are more digitally connected since the start of Covid-19 via devices, online activities, connected homes, etc. and 86% have implemented more protection for their digital devices.
Indians are taking security into their own hands, as 57% agree that digital hygiene or the lack of it can put themselves and their families at risk. 2 out of 3 Indians (68%) check if the network that they are joining is secure before connecting. Furthermore, more than half (53%) feel more vulnerable to risks when someone has visited their home and has connected to their internet. Perceived to be most vulnerable to cyber threats are Wi-Fi networks (57%), someone’s home computer (46%), smart home assistants (26%), smart TV (28%), and gaming systems (29%).
“Remote working, online learning, and a surge in the usage of connected devices due to more time being spent indoors has resulted in increased digital dependence among Indians,” says Venkat Krishnapur, vice-president of engineering and managing director, McAfee India. “While our study indicates that more Indians are digitally connected owing to the pandemic, they are also now actively taking steps to keep themselves protected from online threats. The spike in our digital footprints during this time, makes it critical for everyone to understand the importance of online security and take measures towards protecting themselves.”
Security in a mobile-first world
More than half of Indians (58%) indicate having a good understanding of the data they store on their mobile device(s). Signalling a shift towards responsible behaviour, 72% utilize a mobile security software solution to protect data on their phone, of which, 46% use preinstalled security software. 58% of Indians believe that the information and data stored on their mobile phone is secure from cyber risks.
Safeguarding the virtual classroom
81% of Indians state that since 2020, members in their household have started to participate in distance learning via virtual platforms. However, less than half (36%) of these purchased new security/protection technology to protect their family and home when distance learning was introduced into their new life routine.
While kids form the biggest users of distance learning, more than half (62%) believe that digital wellness and protection should have a separate curriculum and be taught throughout primary school. Added concerns when it comes to the increased connectedness of kids include exposure to scams (53%), sharing personal information (53%), illegal content (55%), cyber-bullying (52%), and misinformation (49%).
