Most internet users store passwords insecurely: Report

HackingJust 38% of internet users create strong passwords for every account and over half (57%) store passwords insecurely, says a research by Kaspersky Lab and B2B International.

Moreover, in the last 12 months one in four Internet users had at least one of their online accounts hacked, leading to unauthorised messages being sent out in the user’s name, sometimes with a malicious link included, and the loss or theft of personal data.

According to research, the kind of accounts targeted by hackers include email (11%), social media networks (11%), and online banking or shopping accounts (7%), sites that many consumers use on a daily basis and that keep them in touch with work and their closest friends and family.

Personal data and identities are a top target for hackers, according to survey. 26% of those affected lost personal details and data following a successful hit; and in 26% of cases data was stolen and later used in criminal activity such as unauthorised transactions. In fact, 36% of all respondents had encountered some kind of identity threat over the previous 12 months, most involving an unsolicited message and a requestfor personal information, passwords and other credentials.

“Hackers are after your details, contacts and funds. Some simple security steps and a robust approach to passwords will remove the risk,” said Elena Kharchenko, Head of Consumer Product Management, Kaspersky Lab.

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