A new study has revealed that the UK’s cybersecurity and internet privacy awareness has deteriorated, with the country dropping from fourth to fifth place globally. The research, conducted by cybersecurity firm NordVPN, highlights a decline in British knowledge about online safety and privacy over the past year.
The National Privacy Test, which surveyed 25,567 respondents from 181 countries, showed that while Brits have maintained high standards in certain areas—such as dealing with suspicious streaming service offers and creating strong passwords—there are significant gaps in other critical aspects of cybersecurity. Specifically, 96% of Brits were found to be adept at managing suspicious streaming offers and crafting secure passwords. Additionally, 94% understand which permissions should be granted to apps, 93% are aware of malware infection risks, and 91% know what sensitive data to avoid sharing on social media.
However, there are notable weaknesses. Only 5% of respondents could identify the privacy concerns associated with using AI in the workplace. Awareness regarding what data internet service providers (ISPs) collect is also low, with only 13% knowledgeable about this issue. Furthermore, just 15% of Brits know how to secure their home Wi-Fi network, with many mistakenly assuming their network is safe by default. A mere 20% are aware of best practices for storing passwords securely, such as using password managers.
The study also highlights a worrying trend: the proportion of Brits who update their apps as soon as new versions are available has fallen from 71% in 2023 to 58% in 2024. On a more positive note, there has been an increase in awareness about handling phishing attacks, with 68% of Brits recognising phishing threats this year compared to 60% last year.
Globally, the National Privacy Test indicates a decline in overall cybersecurity and privacy knowledge. Singapore ranks highest with a score of 62 out of 100, followed by Finland and Lithuania, which share second place with scores of 61. Germany and the United States are in third place with scores of 60. This year’s global average dropped to 58, down from 61 in 2023, reflecting a broader trend of diminishing internet privacy awareness worldwide.
Marijus Briedis, Chief Technology Officer at NordVPN, commented on the findings: “The drop in global internet privacy awareness is concerning and underscores the urgent need for improved education on protecting personal data online. Technological advancements and convenience-driven online applications often lead people to overlook privacy, exposing them to greater risks. It is crucial for individuals to stay informed and proactive about their online security.”
The National Privacy Test is an open-access survey designed to assess global online privacy knowledge. The 2024 results, analysed as of mid-July, show a need for continued efforts in cybersecurity education to address these challenges and improve public awareness.
