Survey Exposes Public Concerns Over UK Cybercrime and Fraud

Posted on By Martin Hinton No Comments on Survey Exposes Public Concerns Over UK Cybercrime and Fraud

A recent government-commissioned survey reveals significant public concerns about UK cybercrime and fraud (England, Scotland, and Wales). Conducted by Ipsos UK for the Home Office, the research offers insights into public perceptions, victimization experiences, and cyber security behaviors.

It found that over half of participants perceive moderate personal risks, with 42% feeling vulnerable to retail fraud, such as counterfeit purchases or undelivered goods. Similarly, cyber crime awareness is high, with 50% worried about malware infections and 48% fearing unauthorized access to online accounts.

The findings reveal widespread victimization, with 42% experiencing malware attacks and 35% reporting fraud involving counterfeit goods or missing purchases. Alarmingly, under 10% reported incidents to the police or Action Fraud, with banks being the most common reporting avenue (39%).

Public confidence in government and law enforcement response remains low. Only 43% trust the government to tackle cybercrime, and just 32% feel confident in the police’s ability to respond.

UK Cybercrime Victimisation
Have you ever been a victim of the following?
Bar chart showing victimization rates for cyber crime in the UK. The chart highlights three categories: 42% of respondents reported their devices being infected with a computer virus or malware, 25% experienced unauthorized access to their online accounts, and 12% had personal devices accessed without permission.
UK Cybercrime Security and Protective Behaviors

While 80% prioritize cybersecurity, practical measures remain inconsistent. Most respondents use passwords or PINs, yet only 49% regularly enable two-factor authentication. Reporting suspicious activities to government channels like Action Fraud or phishing hotlines is minimal, reflecting low awareness.

How regularly, if at all, do you do the following?
Bar chart showing reported cyber security behaviors in the UK. Key findings: 74% always use a password/PIN to unlock smartphones or tablets, 13% often, 6% sometimes, 4% rarely, and 2% never. 42% always install software/app updates when available, 30% often, 18% sometimes, 6% rarely, 3% never, and 1% don't know. 21% always use two-factor authentication (2FA), 29% often, 23% sometimes, 8% rarely, 15% never, and 4% don't know. 19% always back up important data, 26% often, 30% sometimes, 16% rarely, 8% never, and 1% don't know. 16% always save passwords in a web browser, 23% often, 22% sometimes, 12% rarely, 26% never, and 1% don't know. 15% always use strong passwords with three random words, 20% often, 20% sometimes, 18% rarely, 26% never, and 1% don't know. Only 5% always report phishing emails to report@phishing.gov.uk, 5% often, 16% sometimes, 60% never, and 4% don't know. Only 4% always report suspicious texts to 7726, 8% often, 11% sometimes, 73% never, and 3% don't know.

The report emphasizes the need for enhanced public education, better-reporting mechanisms, and proactive governmental strategies to improve confidence and reduce cyber threats. By addressing these gaps, authorities can better protect citizens from evolving digital dangers.

The survey, involving 2,178 respondents aged 16 to 75, explored attitudes towards online fraud and cybercrime.

Other News: The Role of Human Error in Cybersecurity Failures and How to Mitigate It(Opens in a new browser tab).

Martin Hinton

Martin Hinton is the Executive Editor and Publisher of Cyber Insurance News and Information. With over three decades of journalism experience across six continents, his work encompasses investigative reporting, documentaries, and coverage of cultural, political, and business news. To learn more about his career, click on his name to visit his LinkedIn page.

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