Online Security Problems Common in Iceland

AFP

Vala Hafstað

The rate of people who have encountered online security problems is quite a bit higher in Iceland than the European average, Morgunblaðið reports. Newly published data by Eurostat - a directorate general of the European Commission, providing statistical information – list security related problems experienced through using the Internet for private purposes.

The data show that 46 percent of Icelanders, aged 16-74, believe they have encountered a security problem online. By comparison, the European average is 32 percent. The data cover the year 2019 and refer to private computer use during a 12-month period.

The rate of people having encountered online security problems is the highest in Norway, 66 percent, followed by Switzerland, the UK, Denmark, France and then Iceland in sixth place. Among European countries, the rate was the lowest in Lithuania, where it measured 7 percent.

Most of the people who encountered online security problems mentioned phishing and other attempts at fraud or collection of information. This includes receiving an email, telling you to go to your online bank to correct something. A link to the online bank is provided in the email, but instead of directing you to the online bank itself, it takes you to a fake website intended to obtain your personal information and PIN.

The same applies to attempts to make you believe you are visiting websites, such as Facebook, Paypal, iTunes, Ebay, and more. 

The report does not specify whether those who report having encountered online security problems are actual victims of such fraud, or whether attempts have simply been made to deceive them.

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