One in 10 Brits have been victimised by cyber-fraud when not protected by paid-for cyber-security software.
Research conducted by consumer security company BullGuard demonstrates that users not only feel safer using paid-for protection, but many people have been victimised by cyber-fraud when not fully protected. The survey polled 10,000 consumers.
Two-thirds (66 percent) have used a free antivirus solution in the past. Of those who have switched from a free solution to a paid one, 65 percent said it was due to them wanting better protection and 61 percent said they felt safer.
Respondents noted a wide range of attacks as their biggest online safety concerns.
Eighty-seven percent cited protecting against the theft of personal information as their biggest online security concern.
Phishing emails pretending to be from reputable companies were also a significant concern for 69 percent of respondents.
The loss of banking information worried 72 percent while a further 67 percent noted ransomware as a particular concern.
Most respondents (84 percent) don't want their computers infected by viruses when they go online.
Paul Lipman, CEO, BullGuard, said in a statement: “These findings illustrate just how important good cyber-security protection is. They also undermine some voices in the security industry that claim paid-for cyber-security software is no longer viable and that free antivirus is just as effective. Clearly, end users feel different and would much rather have the deeper levels of protection and service and support that paid-for cyber-security provides.”
