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.
| 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% |
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Everything on "Cybercrime and internet users in the United Kingdom (UK)" in one document: edited and divided into chapters, including detailed references.
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Cybercrime
Data breaches
Online scam encounter and attitudes
Cost of cybercrime
Consumer attitudes toward online privacy
Actions taken for online safety
Further related statistics
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