June 2010
Survey Finds Americans as Concerned about Contracting a Computer Virus as a Human Virus like H1N1
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.
About Bitdefender®
Bitdefender is the creator of one of the world's fastest and most effective lines of internationally certified internet security software. The company is an industry pioneer, introducing and developing award-winning protection since 2001. Today, Bitdefender technology secures the digital experience of around 400 million home and corporate users across the globe.
Recently, Bitdefender won a series of important awards and accolades in the global security industry, including "Product of the Year" by AV-Comparatives, "Best Repair 2012" by AV-Test, "Editor's Choice" and "The Best Antivirus for 2013" by PC Mag, that confirmed the antivirus software’s leadership status among security products.
More information about Bitdefender's products is available from the company's security press room. Additionally, Bitdefender publishes the HOTforSecurity blog, where readers can find stories from the underworld of internet fraud, scams, malicious software - and gossip.
