In today’s world, customers expect to do business digitally no matter what product or service is offered. But convenience isn’t the only thing that comes with this new norm. Cybercrime is more prevalent than ever, putting consumers’ smart devices and, indirectly, your business at risk.
In our new national study of consumer attitudes and behaviors about cybersecurity, we found that consumers admit significant concern about the risks of cybercrime related to their smart devices, yet most are unaware of what they can do to protect themselves.
Based on our study, here are the top consumer digital safety behaviors that every business should know:
- On average, households contain six devices that access the internet, and more than half of consumers intend to add more devices in the future.
- Most consumers access public Wi-Fi networks on their mobile devices, with about half doing so once a week or more.
- Hacking and having personal information stolen are the most frequently mentioned top-of-mind risks.
- About 25 percent have experienced a cyberattack, with hacking, viruses and identity theft listed as the most common type.
- One in four have never taken safety measures against cybercrime due to lack of awareness and believing their existing measures are sufficient.
- Consumers say they would most likely seek advice about cyber protection from an antivirus or cybersecurity company, but about one in 10 say they don’t know where to go for advice.
- Nearly one in five believe that doing more to protect themselves from cybercrime is too much of a hassle.
- About seven in 10 have not purchased identity theft insurance coverage or home cyber insurance protection, but nearly a third have considered it.
As the number of consumers’ devices connected to the internet increases, it is more challenging than ever to keep information secure. And our study tells us that consumers either don’t recognize or don’t know how to combat the risks around them.
This is where leaders can help bridge that gap. First, ensure your business is protected from cyber risks. Then educate your customers about cybersecurity by offering advice or services from trustworthy partners.
John North is executive vice president and personal lines president at Grange Insurance. Since taking the role in 2015, John has been instrumental in bringing customizable products to Grange customers, including home cyber protection coverage.
