84% of respondents who took part in the All-Russian survey on safety in Internet carried out by Metron Analysis on behalf of Vodafone Greece under the scientific supervision of ELIAMEP, and was the focus of the VIII Delphi Economic Forum.

According to the results of the survey, the vast majority of respondents believe that using the Internet is associated with risks, with most of them citing in the following order: fraud in an online transaction or purchase (48%), misuse of personal data by third parties (32%), sexual abuse and exploitation of minors (26%), malware or social media and/or email hacking (14%).

But are users taking protective measures? 2/3 of the survey participants answered in the affirmative. In this context, they only visit websites they know (90% of them), do not “open” emails from unknown senders (88%), use only their personal computer (84%) and have anti-virus software installed (79% ). However, 4 out of 10 Greeks say they do not have enough information about these risks.

Personal data exposure

The study also shows that there is increased uncertainty in public opinion regarding the use of personal data.

Among Internet users, only 1/10 say they have actually been victims of cybercrime, with this rate being relatively higher among those who fit the active user profile. In addition, while nearly the entire population has heard of the Cybercrime Squad (95%), only 9% have referred to it for online security issues. Interestingly, even for the part of the population that has become a victim of cybercrime, this percentage is small and does not exceed 35%. In fact, one in 10 have referred internet security issues elsewhere, and one in four have turned to friends and family (25%). In every fifth case, they turned to the police, in 17% – to the telecom operator, and in 14% – to a specialist or an IT company.

Regarding the security of personal data, every second believes that compared to what it was 5 years ago, personal data is less protectedand the lack of information is also reflected in the fact that 4/10 do not know or have heard anything about the General Data Protection Regulation.

In addition, one in four is “very” concerned about how companies and governments use the data they collect, while nearly half say they have little understanding of how their data is being used by companies and governments. Also, more than one in two (53%) believe that data collection by companies entails more risks than benefits for them, while the corresponding percentage for government organizations is much lower (39%).

Compared to 5 years ago, one in two (51%) say they feel less secure about their personal data and information, 27% say they feel no less secure, and 17% say they feel more secure. By comparison, in a Pew Research Center online survey (Americans and Privacy, 2019), in a more digital American society, 70% reported improved security for their personal data compared to 5 years earlier.