Cybercrime Strikes more Than Two-Thirds of Internet Users

Computer Crime Research Center

Date: November 11, 2010
Source: Companies.mybroadband.co.za

  "The next time you surf the Internet, consider this: You might be just one click away from becoming the next cybercrime victim. A study released from security software maker Norton reveals the staggering prevalence of cybercrime: Two-thirds (65 percent) of Internet users globally have fallen victim to cybercrimes, including online credit-card fraud, identity theft and computer viruses.

The Norton Cybercrime Report: The Human Impact shines a light on the personal toll cybercrime takes. The first study to examine the emotional effects of cybercrime, it shows that victims’ strongest reactions are anger (58 percent), annoyance(51 percent) and a feeling of having been cheated (40 percent). Many blame themselves for being attacked. Only three percent don’t think it will happen to them, and nearly 80 percent do not expect cybercriminals to be brought to justice. The result is a sense of helplessness and a reluctance to take action.

Despite the emotional burden, the universal threat, and the incidence of cybercrime, people still aren’t changing their behaviour – with only half saying they would change their behaviour if they became a victim. More disturbingly, fewer than half (44 percent) reported the crime to the police. . . " Read More