The National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) and CybSafe released new research this week examining key cybersecurity behaviors, attitudes and trends as the organizations mark Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Polling more than 6,000 individuals across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France and New Zealand, researchers found the survey findings highlighted a shift in how Americans view cybersecurity as more and more people understand the importance of staying safe online.

A significant majority (79%) now recognize multi-factor authentication (MFA) and 70% within this group are actively using it to enhance their online security on a regular basis.

However, despite these positive trends, NCA and CybSafe said there are concerns about access to adequate training. Based on the survey, only 44% of participants in the United States reported having access to cybersecurity training programs.

“The rise of proactive cybersecurity measures in the U.S. is encouraging, showcasing improved threat awareness and readiness to respond,” National Cybersecurity Alliance executive director Lisa Plaggemier said in a news release mentioning the availability of Oh Behave! The Annual Cybersecurity Attitudes and Behaviors Report 2023.

“However, emphasizing the need for affordable, accessible, and comprehensive cybersecurity measures to safeguard individuals by both the private and public sector is going to be paramount in an increasingly digital world,” Plaggemier continued.

Here’s an overview of key report insights.

Awareness and adoption of cybersecurity measures continue to grow

Within the U.S., there has been a substantial surge in cybersecurity awareness, with 79% of respondents demonstrating familiarity with MFA.

Notably, a majority (70%) of those who have heard of the security measure know how to use MFA and regularly incorporate it into their online security measures, underscoring their growing dedication to safeguarding their digital accounts.

Moreover, researchers discovered the adoption of password managers has made significant headway, with 38% of Americans utilizing these tools to bolster password security.

“These findings reflect a promising trend, indicating that Americans are increasingly well-informed and proactive in their cybersecurity endeavors,” experts said.

Adoption of proactive cybersecurity practices show promising signs

Researchers learned Americans are embracing proactive approaches to fortify their online protection.

In the U.S., 61% of respondents demonstrated a strong commitment to staying informed about security updates by consistently updating their software and applications, with 33% doing it always and an additional 28% doing it very often.

Additionally, a significant majority (69%) expressed confidence in their ability to identify phishing attempts, signifying improved awareness of digital threats.

According to the report, this newfound confidence translates into action, as 51% of Americans actively report cybercrimes, particularly instances of phishing.

While individuals are increasingly taking proactive steps to secure their digital lives, the survey found that 39% of participants expressed frustration and 37% felt intimidated by the process of staying secure online.

“These sentiments were felt globally and underscore the need for user-friendly cybersecurity solutions, or solutions that are secure by design and secure by default, meaning security is happening behind the scenes and doesn’t require action by the end-user,” researchers said.

“Bridging these gaps is critical to empowering users and encouraging the widespread adoption of effective cybersecurity practices, ultimately fortifying the digital security landscape,” they continued.

Concerns and victimization on the rise

Cybersecurity concerns have intensified in the U.S., with 61% of participants expressing apprehension about becoming victims of cybercrime.

NCA and CybSafe said this heightened level of awareness likely arises from a greater likelihood of attack.

Researchers found Americans were the most targeted of all the countries surveyed, with a substantial 36% of respondents acknowledging they have been victims of one or more cybercrimes. These fears of falling victim to cybercrime are felt worldwide as there was a 7% increase in the overall number of people who felt they may become victims of cybercrime compared to last year.

The survey also indicated that half of the participants across the nations surveyed thought they were potential targets for cybercriminals, “underscoring the necessity for continued efforts to bolster cybersecurity measures,” according to researchers.

A generational divide highlights key vulnerabilities

The survey data revealed a notable shortcoming among younger generations — despite their understanding of online risks and security measures.

Even with the highest access to cyber training (56% of Gen Z and 50% of Millennials), NCA and CybSafe said this group still faces a disproportionately higher rate of cybercrime victimization.

The survey findings showed 43% of Gen Z and 36% of millennials reported being victims of cybercrimes, significantly more than the Silent Generation (20%) and Baby Boomers (15%) who lack access to formal cybersecurity training.

At the same time, NCA and CybSafe said these digital natives are twice as likely to disagree with the idea that security is worth the effort.

This is reflected in their cyber habits, with half of Gen Z and 41% of Millennials admitting to using personal information like names of family members or pets, dates and places when creating passwords.

“These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted educational initiatives that empower older generations while incentivizing tech-savvy digital natives to adopt safer online behaviors and a more secure digital environment,” experts said.

Despite increased cyber awareness, Gaps in education and training persist

Awareness of cybersecurity practices is on the rise, but gaps in education and training persist, according to NCA and CybSafe.

While 70% of respondents in the U.S. indicated familiarity with MFA, 30% of those aware of the feature admitted to not using it regularly, pointing to the potential for expanded adoption.

Concerns also linger around password security, as 38% of Americans incorporate personal information into their passwords, potentially jeopardizing the security of their accounts.

Additionally, while data backup practices have shown improvement, NCA and CybSafe pointed out further attention is needed, as only 48% of respondents consistently back up their data.

“Addressing these educational gaps will be pivotal in enhancing cybersecurity knowledge and practices,” experts said.

Cost and access challenges persist

Perceptions of high cybersecurity protection costs have escalated, with 49% of respondents across nations viewing it as an expensive endeavor.

Furthermore, NCA and CybSafe found that disparities in access to cybersecurity training persist, with only 44% of American participants reporting access to such programs.

Notably, Americans exhibit a preference for online training courses (49%), emphasizing the need for flexible learning options to bridge the educational divide.

“Overcoming challenges related to cost and accessibility will be essential to ensure that cybersecurity remains attainable and affordable for all individuals in the U.S.,” researchers said.

Oz Alashe is CEO and founder of CybSafe, a behavioral risk platform.

“While the improving awareness over the past year suggests the public is moving in the right direction, the next step is turning that awareness into actions that provide real protection. As people become aware of the threats, we must encourage them to act and use the available tools to protect themselves online.” Alashe said in the news release.

“Additionally, the perception of high costs associated with online protection from our findings highlights the importance of showcasing and delivering affordable cybersecurity solutions that are accessible for everyone,” Alashe continued.

The entire report can be found via this website.