Banking & finance the most trusted industry when it comes to online security: GoDaddy research
Two thirds (67%) of Australians are concerned about cyber security, and almost a quarter (22%) have already been victims of a data breach or online security threat according to research released today by GoDaddy Inc. the company empowering everyday entrepreneurs. GoDaddy’s Safe Surfing research also found that the majority of respondents (85%) believe that their increased use of technology is making them more vulnerable to cyber security threats.
Australians are becoming more aware of cyber security and are taking proactive steps to understand and mitigate their risks online. GoDaddy’s Safe Surfing research reveals that 60% of respondents know what to look for when it comes to determining whether a site is secure. The majority of respondents (78%) reported that they look for the security lock symbol in the URL to determine whether a site is indeed secure, followed by looking for a URL containing ‘Https’ (65%), and, further followed by looking at the contact details of the business (56%).
Gen Z and Millennials respondents, ages 18 – 29, are the most confident when it comes to protecting themselves online, with 70% stating that they know what to look for when visiting a website. Baby Boomers feel the least confident, though, with just over half (55%) knowing what to look for. Two thirds (64%) of Australians surveyed said they would refrain from using a website if the company or brand had already been compromised by an online security threat or data hack, sending a strong message to the business community to ensure that their security policies and systems are up to date. With the majority of Australians concerned about online security, more than half of respondents (59%) have put in place safeguards to help protect their personal data and assets.
“It’s encouraging to see that so many Australians are both aware of the importance of their online security, and understand what to look for, while actively implementing measures to help minimise their online vulnerabilities,” comments Jill Schoolenberg, Regional President for Australia, Canada and Latin America at GoDaddy. “This increased awareness, along with simple defenses and affordable tools, helps to create a safer and more inclusive online community.”
The safest industries
When it comes to safeguarding data against cyber threats, 32% of Australians surveyed feel the banking and finance industry is doing the best job, followed by IT (14%) and government (10%). However, retail (2%), construction (1%) and hospitality (0%) – three of Australia’s biggest small business industries – were seen as some of the worst offenders when it comes to data protection.
“With more Aussies becoming cyber aware, small businesses should evaluate their own online security policies to help ensure that their websites meet current cyber security requirements or risk losing customers,” continues Ms. Schoolenberg. “The good news is that today, it is easier to create secure online experiences for your customers and help protect their data with more tools available.”
“The Internet should be a safe, inclusive and empowering place for everyone, and we want to help play a part in achieving that. To do so, we offer Website Security, SSL Certificates and Website Backup, so Aussies can further protect their websites, their customers and their business,” says Ms. Schoolenberg.
