Cybercrime targeting perceptions in selected European countries 2024

Cybersecurity awareness varies significantly across European countries, with a substantial portion of the population unsure about their vulnerability to cybercrime. A 2024 study reveals that while many Europeans are uncertain about being targets for cybercriminals, there are notable differences in perception and experience among nations. This uncertainty highlights the need for increased education and awareness regarding digital threats in an increasingly connected world.

Varying experiences with cyber incidents 

The perception of cybercrime risk correlates with actual experiences of cyber incidents. Spain, where 27.5 percent of respondents believe they are targets for cybercriminals, also reported the highest rate of cyber incidents in the past 12 months at nearly 28 percent. In contrast, Italy, where only 16.4 percent of respondents believed they were targets, experienced the lowest rate of cyber incidents at around 16 percent. Fraud attempts emerged as the most common type of cybersecurity incident, particularly in Spain, where over half of those who suffered cyberattacks reported such attempts.

Mobile security adoption and concerns 

The adoption of mobile security solutions varies across European countries, with Germany leading at over 64 percent of respondents using such solutions on their phones. The United Kingdom lags, with just under 50 percent of respondents employing mobile security measures. Android users are more likely to use security solutions, with 77 percent of Spanish respondents who use mobile security doing so on Android devices. These findings underscore the growing importance of mobile security in the face of evolving cyber threats. Additionally, broader internet safety concerns persist, with 68 percent of UK users expressing worry about distinguishing between real and fake content online.