Scammers Want Our Data, Yet CNET Finds Many of Us Aren’t Protecting Our Devices

Scammers are relentless in their pursuit of personal data, leveraging malware to exploit the increasing reliance on the internet for daily activities, from banking to social media. With thousands of new viruses emerging daily, it’s crucial to remain vigilant. While many users have become accustomed to spotting red flags like suspicious links and typographical errors, the reality is that even the most trusted antivirus software is not foolproof. Recent findings from CNET reveal that despite advancements in cybersecurity tools, scammers continue to devise ways to circumvent these defenses.

According to the survey, a striking 54% of US adults with personal laptops reported encountering potential malware within the past year. The survey also highlights the actions taken by laptop owners upon discovering these threats, underscoring the importance of proactive measures in the face of cyber risks.

Key findings

• 78% of US adults currently own a personal laptop, with HP (32%) and Apple (26%) being the most popular brands.
• Over half (54%) of laptop owners have encountered potential malware on their devices in the past year.
• 88% of those who reported seeing potential malware took action, while 12% did not respond.
• 68% of proactive laptop owners either deleted the suspicious file or closed the website or pop-up.
• 37% of laptop owners received phishing emails in the past year.

Laptop owners have encountered phishing emails the most

Interestingly, the necessity of antivirus protection is often debated among users. CNET’s experts, Moe Long and Attila Tomaschek, suggest that many modern devices come equipped with built-in antivirus solutions, such as Microsoft Defender for Windows 11 and XProtect for Mac users. However, the prevalence of phishing emails, which accounted for 37% of reported encounters, indicates that threats are still very much alive.

Cybercriminals are increasingly employing artificial intelligence to enhance the believability of their scams, making it imperative for users to remain cautious. While antivirus software can help mitigate risks from known threats, it may not always detect evolving phishing attempts. Users must exercise discernment when navigating online spaces.

88% of US adults took action after seeing potential malware

The survey revealed that an encouraging 88% of laptop owners took action upon encountering potential malware. This proactive approach is vital, as modern malware is often designed to extract data rather than simply disrupt system functionality. Long emphasizes the importance of addressing malware threats promptly.

Among those who acted, 60% manually deleted files or closed suspicious websites, while 35% initiated antivirus scans. However, not all responses are equally effective. Closing a pop-up without clicking any links is generally safe, but downloading a malicious file poses a greater risk. In such cases, running an antivirus scan immediately is advisable to identify and eliminate threats.

‘Cybersecurity now is a multitool approach’

Long notes that antivirus software alone cannot safeguard against data breaches or identity theft. A comprehensive cybersecurity strategy involves a variety of tools and practices. Users are encouraged to educate themselves about emerging scams and to remain vigilant against phishing attempts.

Common safety practices include using strong passwords, downloading software only from trusted sources, and ensuring that devices are updated with the latest security patches. CNET’s experts recommend a suite of tools to bolster online security, including:

In a landscape where cyber threats are constantly evolving, a multifaceted approach to cybersecurity is essential. By staying informed and employing a variety of protective measures, users can better safeguard their digital lives.