New Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report finds

New Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report finds 59% of
Indian adults fell prey to cybercrime in the past 12 months

• As per the report, 1.3 billion hours were spent trying to resolve the cybercrime-related issues
• More than 27 million Indian adults experienced identity theft in the past 12 months
• 7 in 10 Indian adults (70%) believe that remote work has made it much easier for hackers and cybercriminals to take advantage of them
• 52% of Indian adults say they don’t know how to protect themselves from cybercrime

NortonLifeLock (NASDAQ: NLOK), a global leader in consumer Cyber Safety, today released findings from the 2021 Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report, revealing that 59% of Indian adults have experienced cybercrime in the past 12 months. Cybercrime victims collectively spent 1.3 billion hours trying to resolve these issues.

The sixth annual Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report, conducted online in partnership with The Harris Poll, surveyed more than 10,000 adults in 10 countries including 1,000 adults in India and revealed that of the 36% of Indian adults who detected unauthorized access to an account or device in the past 12 months, around half of them felt angry (49%) or stressed (49%) as a result. Furthermore, around 2 in 5 felt scared (42%) or vulnerable (38%), and 3 in 10 (30%) felt powerless. Despite this, only 36% purchased security software or increased pre-existing security software as a result of detecting unauthorized access to their account or device. While 52% turned to their friends for help, 47% contacted the company that the account was hacked from for help resolving the issue.

“In a year of lockdowns and restrictions, cybercriminals have not been deterred. More Indian adults fell victim to identity theft in the past 12 months and most are concerned about data privacy," said Ritesh Chopra, Director Sales and Field Marketing, India & SAARC Countries, NortonLifeLock. "While the report suggests that many Indian consumers (90%) are taking proactive steps to safeguard their data, 2 in 5 still feel it is impossible to protect their privacy (42%) in this age or say they don't know how to do so (42%). It is therefore crucial for consumers to seek expert advice and take active measures to safeguard their online privacy."

Remote working could be making Indians feel more vulnerable to cyber threats

The study reveals that 7 in 10 Indian adults (70%) believe that remote work has made it much easier for hackers and cybercriminals to take advantage of people. About two-thirds (66%) said that they are more worried than ever before of being a victim of a cybercrime. Similarly, 63% of Indian adults report that they feel more vulnerable to cybercrime than they did before the COVID-19 pandemic began. Despite these vulnerabilities around half (52%) say they do not know how to protect themselves from cybercrime, and even more (68%) say it is difficult for them to determine if the information they see online is from a credible source.

Identity theft and online privacy

Over 2 in 5 Indian consumers (45%) have experienced identity theft, with 14% impacted in the past year alone (up from 10% in 2019), which means over 27 million Indian adults experienced identity theft in the past 12 months.

Most consumers (60%), whether they have experienced identity theft or not, are very worried that their identity will be stolen. While 65% do feel they are well-protected against identity theft occurring, some appear less prepared to react if it were to occur, particularly older generations; 52% of all adults say they would have no idea what to do if their identity were stolen (60% among those aged 40+ vs. 50% among those under 40). Importantly, more than two-thirds (68%) wish they had more information on what to do if their identity were stolen.

Most Indian adults are concerned about data privacy (75%) and want to do more to protect it (77%). In fact, 76% are proactively looking for better ways to protect their privacy and 9 in 10 (90%) have taken steps to protect their online activities and personal information, nearly three-quarters of whom (74%) say they have done so due to changes in lifestyles and work environment since the pandemic began. Some of the most common steps taken are making passwords stronger (43%) and limiting information shared on social media (36%).

 

7 Things Our Experts Recommend for Your

7 Things Our Experts Recommend for Your Cyber Safety In The Age of Remote Working

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed a lot of norms of corporate lifestyle, especially when it comes to both, the ‘work’ and the ‘working space’. The concept of remote working is something that everyone has gotten used to and is likely to be a future that employees even opt for. However, an increase in online exposure also comes with an increase in cyber threats. While individuals seek opportunities that allow remote work, they now must be cautious about equipping cybersecurity and data protection tools. The world has witnessed a growing number of vulnerabilities through targeted data breaches, especially in the past few months. Cybercrime in various forms - identity theft, data breaches, and online frauds, and others – is on the rise.

According to the 2019 NortonLifeLock Cyber Safety Insights Report, 39% of respondents in India have witnessed identity theft in the past year. 2020 has been an eye-opener for many users – those who were unaware of cybersecurity risks as well as those who did not expect to be targeted. It is more important than ever for working professionals to be vigilant about cybersecurity, given the fact that the practice of remote working might continue even after the pandemic.

A few years ago, there was a notable rise in the number of “Digital Nomads” – individuals who chose to work remotely to create a lifestyle that allowed them to travel the world. The circumstances are different today; people are choosing to work remotely for a different reason, but it’s possible that the “nomadic” trend might recur at some point once the pandemic abates. At any rate, we need to prepare well for this change in working environment. Working remotely opens the company's network and data to external cyber threats.

Here are 7 things our Cyber Safety experts recommend for those working remotely:

1. Keep close contact with your employer

Your employer might consolidate coronavirus-related information on the company intranet. It is important to know new policies to help keep you, your coworkers, and the business safe.

2. Use what is in your company’s tech toolbox

Companies often have tech tools that can help keep you Cyber Safe when you work from home. They likely include firewall and antivirus protection, along with security features like VPN and 2-factor authentication.

3. Control the impulse to improvise

Employees often work in teams, and that can mean using collaboration tools like instant-messaging platforms and video-meeting rooms. If a tool is not working right, you might be tempted to download a substitute. You could inadvertently introduce a software program with a security flaw — and that means someone unauthorized may be able to access company data, or any personal data you have on that device.

4. Stay current on software updates and patches

You might get reminders that software updates are available for all your devices. Updates help patch security flaws and help protect your data.

5. Keep your VPN turned on

A VPN — short for virtual private network — can provide a secure link between employees and businesses by encrypting data. A VPN helps keep information secure from cybercriminals and competitors.

6. Beware of coronavirus-themed phishing emails

Cybercriminals are exploiting the coronavirus outbreak to send fake emails with dangerous links to employees. By clicking on an unknown link, you are likely to download malware onto your device. Immediately report the phishing attempt to your employer. A phishing email with malicious software could allow cybercriminals to take control of your computer or access sensitive business information and financial data.

7. Develop a new routine

Working from home requires changing your routine. But it also involves structuring your day to work efficiently and maintain contact with your team. Take steps to avoid letting that happen. Reach out and stay engaged with your colleagues.

While working remotely, it is important to be extra-cautious about phishing attacks and other forms of cyberthreat. We need to understand that online safety is a shared responsibility, and it begins with everyone. The pandemic has given us as opportune a circumstance as any to become more conscious of our cyber footprint and to constantly be on our guard against possible cyberattacks. Let us use it to secure ourselves, our work, and all that is important to us.

To read further in detail on remote working, link to blog here.