Survey: These are the online threats that concern Finns

Respondents were asked about various themes related to digital security in the Digital Lifestyles survey commissioned by DNA. As many as one third of Finns consider the loss of personal data in connection with a data breach to be the most significant online threat. In turn, 31 per cent of respondents were concerned about the inconveniences caused by identity theft, such as investigating and fixing the harm caused. Just as many were also concerned about hacked bank accounts and money thefts.

“Unfortunately, the risks that people consider to be the greatest are also common forms of cybercrime. In cases of lost personal data and identity theft, it might lead to reputational damage or, in the worst case, theft of the entire online identity. With the help of important personal data, such as social security numbers or usernames and passwords for various services, a cybercriminal can also gain access to payment information and cause significant financial harm” says Cedric Kamtsan, Vice President, Mobile Business at DNA.

Nearly one-third (30%) of all respondents feel that they do not have enough information about digital threats. However, people under 35 feel that they have enough information about digital security threats more often than older age groups.

“Vigilance and awareness of various data security threats reduce risks. It’s great to see that the vast majority of respondents have become at least somewhat familiar with data security issues over the past couple of years,” Kamtsan says.

Many use anti-virus and anti-malware services

According to the survey, data security apps are used most in the oldest age groups. Anti-virus and anti-malware services are the most commonly used services with 58% of respondents reporting that they use them.

“Each and every one of us should take care of comprehensive data security. Traditionally, we have protected computers from viruses and malware. Unfortunately, it’s no longer enough to protect computers; data security should also extend to phones and tablets,” Kamtsan concludes.

“Everyone should have the right and opportunity to use the internet safely. As an operator, our role is to make it possible for our customers to use the internet safely by providing them with easy-to-use and comprehensive data security services,” Kamtsan says.

The following digital security threats are considered to be the biggest risks:

• Loss of personal data in connection with a data breach (33% consider it a high risk)
• Inconveniences resulting from identity theft and investigating and fixing the harm caused (31% consider it a high risk)
• A hacked bank account and money theft (31% consider it a high risk)
• Financial harm caused by identity theft (30% consider it a high risk)
• Leaked payment card information in connection with online shopping (29% consider it a high risk)
• Viruses and malicious programmes (29% consider it a high risk)
• Loss of sensitive or important data (27% consider it a high risk)

DNA’s Digital Lifestyles survey
The Digital Lifestyles survey, produced jointly by DNA and Nepa, was conducted using an online panel from 4 to 12 May 2022. Its aim is to find out how Finns use different digital services and changes in their use. One thousand Finns aged 16 to 74 years responded to the annual survey. The survey has been conducted since 2013.

Read our tips for improving your data security here (in Finnish).

More information about the comprehensive DNA Digiturva data security service can be found here (in Finnish).

More information about DNA studies can be found here (in Finnish).

Additional information
Cedric Kamtsan, Vice President, Mobile Business, DNA Plc, tel. +358 (0)44 906 2377, cedric.kamtsan@dna.fi  
DNA Corporate Communications, tel. +358 (0)44 044 8000, viestinta@dna.fi