Cyber security: Internet users feel more insecure than ever

Germans are feeling increasingly unsafe! Cyber attacks and false information are causing fear and terror among Internet users in Germany.

According to the current safety index of the initiative “Germany safe on the internet“ (DsiN) Germans feel more threatened than ever before.

The overall threat index reflects the digital security situation of consumers. On a scale of zero to one hundred, it fell to 55.7 points, the worst value since it was first recorded in 2014.

► The index for the subjective protection level of consumers has fallen to 55.7 points. This means that we are only 5.7 points away from the critical tipping point of 50. Then the Uncertainty factors the safety factors.

In 2016, we felt even safer, when the value was 65.4 points. Last year, the value was only 57.2, and the year before that, it was 59.8. The Germans' sense of security seems to be steadily decreasing.

For the calculation, 2,000 consumers were surveyed in an online survey.

+++ App users can access the survey directly here: Have you ever fallen victim to a phishing attempt? +++

Phishing attempts are commonplace

Fraudulent emails and messages have increased in the last year. Security assessments show that the number of Phishing attempts by 4.8 percent. These figures are based on personal experiences of people who have already received dubious requests to enter sensitive data contained.

Artificial intelligence (AI) divides opinions: In a recent study, 21 percent of respondents see AI as an opportunity, while 31.5 percent see it as a risk.

► But one thing is clear: AI is becoming increasingly important. 67.7 percent of respondents are convinced that AI will be indispensable in the future.

► And the desire for more education is also great: 77.2 percent of participants want more information and support in order to be able to use AI safely.