80% of Americans Admit to Risky Cybersecurity Behaviors

Nearly half of survey respondents use unsecured WiFi networks and a third open unsolicited email attachment, a report finds.

Dark Reading Staff, Dark Reading

December 14, 2017

1 Min Read
Dark Reading logo in a gray background | Dark Reading

A majority of Americans acknowledge they engage in behavior that puts their cybersecurity at risk, a new report from Netsparker reveals.

Based on an online survey of 2,006 US adults, the 2017 Cybersecurity Survey finds 80% admit to risky cybersecurity practices that touch on a number of areas:

  • 40% use open, unsecured networks

  • 35% click on unfamiliar links on social media

  • 31% download third-party sourced files

  • 31% open unsolicited email attachments

  • 28% fail to install Web-based security software

Survey respondents' password protection practices are also lacking, the report finds. Thirty-four percent of respondents use the same password for all logins, while 58% admit to using fewer than four passwords for all of their online accounts.

Read more about the survey results here.   

About the Author

Dark Reading Staff

Dark Reading

Dark Reading is a leading cybersecurity media site.

Keep up with the latest cybersecurity threats, newly discovered vulnerabilities, data breach information, and emerging trends. Delivered daily or weekly right to your email inbox.

You May Also Like


More Insights