Yet, studies suggest that many internet users still fail to follow best practices.
The top two most commonly used passwords are password and 123456.
That’s why we’ve compiled a range of informative statistics analyzing VPNs and data privacy.
VPNs are especially crucial in regions likeRussia and China, where access to politically disfavored websites is restricted.
For more digital statistics, check out our article onthe latest internet trends of 2023.
Estimates show the VPN market is expected to reach $91 billion by 2026.
Meanwhile, Nigeria, Thailand, and Japan had the lowest adoption rates.
The shift in reasons for VPN use reflects changes in remote work and organizational structures.
Despite this, VPNs remain popular for geo-restricted content access, IP address masking, and torrent downloads.
Why Do People Avoid VPNs?
Meanwhile, 20% dont fully understand the benefits of VPNs.
Most people who dont use VPNs believe they simply dont need one.
Do People Use VPNs While Travelling?
People are especially likely to use a VPN when traveling to Asia-Pacific or other regions with strict internet regulations.
6. Who Uses a VPN?
What Devices Do People Access VPNs On?
The majority of users connect to their VPNs on their mobile devices rather than PCs or laptops.
Are People Aware of VPNs?
Are People Using Free or Paid VPNs?
The majority of personal VPN users are using a free service.
The average internet user is more likely to use free VPNs because they are integrated with other technologies.
What Is the VPN Market Worth?
This trend is expected to continue, with the market size projected to reach $77.1 billion by 2026.
This enables people to access content that is restricted in their location.
The dark web provides anonymity, allowing users to share information without fear of being identified.
For some users, the privacy and anonymity provided by the dark web is something to be exploited.
This is understandable: accessing the dark web requires special software and technical know-how.
Unlike the regular internet, the dark web lacks built-in security provisions, leaving users vulnerable to malicious activities.
Do people fully understand the risks associated with sharing personal information online?
Are companies doing enough to secure our data from cyberattacks and data breaches?
How Do People Feel About Online Privacy?
The report also showed that only 29% of respondents were happy with personalized advertising.
Does Big Tech Have Too Much Control over Personal Data?
The research from YouGov also highlights privacy concerns related to emerging tech.
Which Countries Have Internet Freedom?
Only 18% of people globally have unrestricted internet access, as per Freedom House’s internet freedom scores.
For example, the Russian government has shut down independent media outlets to prevent criticism of their geopolitical actions.
Additionally, the government promotes pro-Chinese Communist Party content, limiting information diversity.
This trend is expected to continue.
The United Nations predicts that 75% of the global population will have laws protecting their data by 2024.
Can Governments Access Your Data?
Many critics feel that this level of access to dataviolates US citizensconstitutional right to privacy.
Whos Responsible for Protecting Your Privacy?
Protecting your data can be challenging due to the lack of transparency and control over how it’s used.
Governments oversee companies and enforce regulations, while companies can establish transparent data policies and practices.
Do People Trust Governments with Their Data?
In the United States, fewer than one-third of adults trust the government to handle their data.
Do People Understand Data Collection and Privacy?
The lack of transparency in privacy documentation is concerning, as it leaves individuals vulnerable to privacy violations.
Organizations that violate the GDPR risk paying hefty fines.
However, compliance is essential for protecting privacy rights and avoiding costly fines.
Amazon and Meta are among the companies to receive some of the largest GDPR fines to date.
Do People Trust Social Media?
Not all big tech companies are perceived in the same negative light.
Targeted ads, which are often the goal of data collection, are largely disliked.
82% of consumers consider them annoying and a further 66% believe theyre unhelpful.
How Did COVID-19 Affect Government Trust?
Despite this, people seem to recognize the importance of data collection.
In terms of personal data collection, just 32% of citizens trust their government in general.
But 58% support the government’s use of personal data for a COVID-19 passport.
Trust levels do vary across countries, though.
Section 3: Cybercrime
Cybercrime is any criminal activity carried out using the internet or digital technologies.
The finance, healthcare, and manufacturing industries were among the most targeted.
Cybercrime Victims by Age
2022 saw a shift in cybercrime victim demographics.
This age group was particularly affected by crypto-investment scams, as reported by the FBI.
Individuals under 20 years old are the least susceptible to cybercrime.
How Worried Are People About Cybercrime?
People worry about cybercrimes more often than physical crimes.
75% of Americans express significant concern about hackers stealing their personal and financial data.
Similarly, 73% are concerned about becoming a victim of identity theft.
Smart devices, unlike phones and computers, often have vulnerable software and weak authentication controls.
However, half of small businesses still lacked cyber insurance, leaving them vulnerable to potential losses.
Increased awareness and proactive measures are necessary to safeguard against cybercrime.
Cyber Attacks on Businesses
A variety of cybercrimes pose a threat to businesses.
Supply chain attacks are becoming increasingly prevalent.
Recent data shows that up to 40% of cyber threats occur through a businesss supply chain.
Cybercriminals use other tactics to exploit vulnerabilities in a business’s security defenses, as well.
Cyber espionage involves stealing sensitive information for strategic or competitive gain.
However, a survey by NortonLifeLock found that gamers often underestimate their risk of being hacked.
35% of global gamers report that theyve had their gaming accounts hacked in the past.
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