Palo Alto Networks finds 68% of Brits believe they are doing all they can to protect against data loss

A new online study of over 2,000 UK respondents commissioned by Palo Alto Networks with YouGov, alongside Dr Jessica Barker, an expert in the human nature of cybersecurity, explores the UK’s attitude towards new cybersecurity technologies and practices and how likely people are to trust them to protect their digital way of life.

Key UK stats include:

• Seven in 10 people online (68%) are confident they are doing all they can to protect themselves from data loss
• This rises to 76% of those aged 45 and over
• But only 57% of 18 to 24-year-olds feel they are doing all they can
• 65% of those surveyed hold themselves responsible for their personal data security
• 43% of respondents feel cybersecurity technology has put them at ease as they’re able to spend less time worrying about their personal data security
• 30% of respondents felt they wanted more transparency from companies on their cybersecurity practices to feel more secure online
• 40% feel catching and punishing cybercriminals would make them feel safer, potentially empowering them to focus on other areas of their digital way of life
• 35% think having dedicated government resource for cybersecurity in place will make them feel more secure – e.g. agency bodies like the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and National Crime Agency (NCA) working in close collaboration in the UK

“It’s great to see that 65% of those surveyed hold themselves responsible for their personal data security, and 68% are confident they are doing all they can to prevent data loss is a positive step and a promising one for businesses. Ensuring individuals are acting responsibly with data is the foundation you need to ensure your organisation doesn’t suffer unnecessarily at the hands of cybercriminals. Yet in such a dynamic space, there is always room for further ongoing education, especially for those not yet so well informed. Through consistent employee best practice, we can create a world where each day is safer and more secure than the one before,” said Greg Day, VP and EMEA CSO at Palo Alto Networks.

“This research offers a fascinating insight into trust in the digital age, finding that those who trust cybersecurity products and processes are better at actively protecting themselves online. It highlights a desire from people to know more about cybersecurity and a perception among many that knowing more about cybersecurity is the most important factor in being able to stay safe online. To enable people to better-protect themselves online and to enhance trust in the digital age, it is fundamental that we empower people with education whilst equipping them with the right technical tools to put that education into practice,” said Dr Jessica Barker.