‘Consumer behaviors toward cyber security remain unchanged’

A new study from Chubb finds that when it comes to cybersecurity, Americans’ actions have not yet caught up to the increasing cyber risks resulting from significant changes to work, activities, and daily habits brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Chubb’s Fourth Cyber Report, which examined individuals’ new cyber exposures, comprehension of cyber risks, and preventative actions taken, more than two-thirds of Americans report that they have become somewhat or much more concerned about the potential for a cyber breach in the past year; however, a third of respondents have not taken any preventative actions to protect themselves or their data. These figures remain relatively unchanged from 2019.

“Over the past year, COVID-19 has fundamentally reshaped every aspect of our lives, and one of the most understated, yet compelling, impacts of the pandemic has been the risks associated with our personal cyber habits,” said Fran O’Brien, division president of Chubb North America Personal Risk Services. “While we’re encouraged to know that Americans’ cyber security concerns are growing, today’s consumers rely heavily on technologies to aid them in managing their personal lives, and because of that reliance, they should implement important cyber security measures to help protect themselves and their families from rapidly-evolving cyber threats.” 
Nearly half of Americans chose to relocate in order to work remotely during the pandemic.

According to the study, most individuals (63 percent) feel as though others should share their vaccination status in order to be able to participate in normal activities, but a similar majority (57 percent) are concerned with having to share their own vaccination status with others.

Only 12 percent of Americans have purchased a personal cyber insurance policy in the past year.