Online security measures UK 2023

A 2023 survey found that roughly five in 10 internet users in the United Kingdom (UK) have downloaded the latest software updates on their devices when prompted online. Another 53 percent shared that they used fingerprint or facial recognition technology to access a device or app or to make purchases online. Additionally, 25 percent of respondents reported using a virtual private network (VPN) when going online.

Usage of selected online security and safety features at home in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2016 to 2023

Characteristic	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Use security software such as anti-virus or anti-spyware package	65%	65%	59%	57%	58%	47%	48%	46%
Use strong passwords online or on devices that can be used to go online	54%	55%	62%	62%	63%	68%	71%	-
Use strong passwords for online services like email, social media, PayPal etc	46%	48%	62%	-	-	-	-	-
Use a firewall	43%	41%	39%	34%	40%	35%	33%	36%
Download the latest software updates on to devices when prompted	39%	40%	41%	41%	57%	50%	50%	50%
Routinely back-up information on your devices	34%	35%	36%	37%	36%	35%	35%	38%
Delete cookies from your web browser	33%	34%	35%	34%	43%	42%	-	-
Use e-mail filters/ software that can block unwanted or spam e-mails	32%	32%	34%	32%	43%	36%	37%	36%
Use ad blocking filters or software	29%	27%	-	-	-	-	-	-
Don't know	3%	4%	3%	3%	7%	3%	3%	5%
Use fingerprint or facial recognition technology to access a device or app or to make purchases online	-	-	-	-	43%	43%	51%	53%
Use a virtual private network (VPN)	-	-	-	-	20%	22%	25%	25%
Install software like NewsGuard on your browser to flag potentially false/fake news or disinformation	-	-	-	-	-	10%	8%	7%
Any of these	-	-	-	-	-	94%	94%	-
None of these	-	-	-	-	-	3%	3%	6%

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Release date

April 2024

More information

Region

United Kingdom

Survey time period

2016 to 2023*

Number of respondents

3,093 respondents

Age group

16 years and older

Special properties

adults who go online at home using any device

Method of interview

Online panel

Supplementary notes

The original survey question was: "Which, if any of these things do you or someone in your household do at home? ".
** n (2016) = 1,553; n (2017) = 1,550; n (2015) = 1,398; n (2017) = 1,570; n (2018) = 1,602; n (2019) = 1,293, n (2020) = 2,776, n(2021) = 3,095
*The 2022 survey was conducted from September 27 to November 12, 2023.

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