GLOBAL awareness of online privacy and cybersecurity is on the decline, according to a recent study by NordVPN.
The annual National Privacy Test (NPT), which surveyed over 25,500 people from 181 countries, revealed that while 96% of respondents knew how to create strong passwords, only 6% understood privacy issues related to AI use at work.
Singapore ranked highest in cybersecurity awareness, followed by Finland, Lithuania, Germany, and the U.S. Respondents between 30 and 54 years old demonstrated the best cybersecurity skills overall.
Marijus Briedis, chief technology officer at NordVPN, noted that the growing complexity of technology may be overwhelming for some, causing them to prioritize convenience over security.
“This decline highlights the urgent need for better education on protecting personal data online,” he said.
Other key findings showed a drop in the number of people who update their apps promptly for security, falling from 69% in 2023 to 56% this year.
Additionally, many respondents lacked knowledge of internet service provider data collection and how to secure their home Wi-Fi networks.
NordVPN advises users to enhance online security by creating strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, keeping software updated, and using virtual private networks.
