85% of people received a digital scam attempt last year

Around 85% of people reported receiving a digital scam attempt in 2023, according to the Living Secure 2024 report by F-Secure.

“As our lives become increasingly digital, the potential impact of scams has increased in severity, incorporating not only financial loss but also the theft of our most personal data,” said Timo Laaksonen, president and CEO at F-Secure.

Online safety

The latest F-Secure survey of 7,000 people from seven regions globally also revealed that 34% of respondents experienced a cyber scam in 2023, and more than half (54%) of cyber scams are conducted via email.

The majority (80%) of participants are concerned about their online safety, with 70% believing their risk of cyber threats will increase next year. Some 70% are unsure who to trust online.

Silver lining

“Amidst this technological revolution, the threats experienced by people in their important digital moments continue to increase in both quantity and credibility, making them easier to fall for,” Laaksonen said.

He mentioned that Artificial Intelligence (AI) acts as a silver lining in helping detect and counter threats more effectively, saying, “It also helps us develop the user experience of our security services, enabling a whole new level of simple, effective protection.”