Report reveals cybersecurity anxiety among Australians

The .au Domain Administration (auDA) has unveiled its Digital Lives of Australians 2024 report, highlighting the crucial role of the internet in Australian society while also drawing attention to increasing cyber security concerns.

Based on a survey that involved 1,500 consumers and 400 small businesses, the report reveals that nearly all Australian consumers (99%) and the majority of small businesses (97%) find significant value in using the internet. Despite this, approximately 64% of consumers and 55% of small businesses are limiting their online activities due to fears over cyber security.

This annual research, now in its fourth year, assesses the online experiences of Australians. It covers various aspects, including the benefits of the internet, views on emerging technologies, and attitudes towards cyber security and digital skills for the future. It is clear from the survey results that anxiety over internet security is a dominant issue for both consumers and small businesses.

The report discloses several key findings:

Nine out of ten working Australians (88%) rely on the internet for their jobs, while 78% of small businesses struggle to operate without it. There is also growing confidence in Artificial Intelligence (AI), with 39% of employed Australians believing AI skills will enhance their job prospects, and 48% of small businesses thinking AI tools will boost their operational efficiency.

Nonetheless, cyber security threats have touched a vast majority, with 77% of consumers recalling a cyber threat or attack in the past year. Many have received scam messages or suffered hacking incidents.

According to the survey, two out of five consumers (43%) and small businesses (40%) express a desire to enhance their online security but lack the know-how. Moreover, nearly half of consumers (48%) and over a third of small businesses (35%) do not know where to report a data breach. High expectations are placed on companies, with 83% of consumers and 79% of businesses believing that firms should do more to protect personal information.

There is also a significant skill gap in cyber security. While 62% of consumers and 77% of small businesses view cyber security skills as crucial for their future, only 13% of consumers and 24% of businesses feel highly competent in this area.

auDA CEO Rosemary Sinclair AM stated that the report reinforces the indispensable value of a secure and open internet for Australia's social and economic fabric. Sinclair noted that even though Australians appreciate the benefits of the internet, their engagement is hindered by concerns over cyber security.

Sinclair emphasised the need for reliable and accessible cyber security training and resources to build confidence among Australians. She likened the effort needed to improve cyber security awareness to that of nationwide road safety campaigns.

In closing, Sinclair urged industry leaders, government entities, businesses, and educational institutions to utilise the findings of the Digital Lives of Australians 2024 report to make informed decisions that would help Australia fully leverage the potential of the internet in a secure manner.