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29 June 2010

BitDefender, Kelton Research find that despite concerns about computer viruses most Americans are still unsure of how to protect their personal information online

With millions of Americans now storing much of their critical data and personal information online, computer viruses carry increased threats to our daily lives. In fact, close to half (49 percent) of Americans with a personal computer would be more likely to safeguard themselves from a potential virus on their PC than a human virus, such as the H1N1 flu, according to a new research report commissioned by internet security provider BitDefender� and conducted by independent research firm Kelton Research.

While Americans continue to place ever-increasing importance on their online safety, the survey found that only 36 percent are confident they would know the correct course of action if their computer was infected by a virus. Despite low awareness about computer security, most do know how to take advantage of basic antivirus software. Seventy four percent run a scan when they hear about a computer virus spreading, 66 percent check to make sure that their antivirus software is up to date, and 25 percent buy such software if they don�t already have it installed.

�While computer viruses have always posed a significant threat to consumers, this study confirms our view that Americans are now valuing their �digital lives� more than ever before,� said Catalin Cosoi, senior researcher at BitDefender. �Our lives revolve around computers and the Web, and in order to keep private information safe there needs to be more education around basic safety practices.�

Research also found that while 65 percent of Americans are more cautious about the links and files they open after hearing about a new virus, many are still not taking appropriate steps to safeguard their online data. For example, nearly one in four (26 percent) admit to having clicked on a shortened link (such as from a service like bit.ly) from someone they don�t know.

Results Summary


  • 49 percent of Americans with a personal computer would be more likely to safeguard themselves from a potential virus on their PC than a human virus such as the H1N1 flu
  • 64 percent of Americans aren�t confident they would know the correct course of action if their computer was infected by a virus
  • 74 percent of Americans run a virus scan when they hear about a computer virus spreading, 66 percent check to see if their antivirus software is up to date, 22 percent purchase new software if they don�t have any and 5 percent don�t do anything
  • 39 percent of Americans try to find out more information about a new virus they hear is spreading and 28 percent spread the news themselves
  • 65 percent of Americans are more cautious about the links and files they open after hearing about a new computer virus
  • 26 percent of Americans admit to having clicked on a shortened link (such as from the service, bit.ly) on the Web from someone they don�t know



The basics of staying safe online are available here: www.bitdefender.com/prevention
About The Survey
This survey was conducted by Kelton Research, a national polling firm, between April 22 and April 27, 2010 using an email invitation and an online survey. Quotas are set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the total U.S. population ages 18 and over. Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. In this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 3.1 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample.

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