51% of respondents consider communications networks, including the internet, to be secure. This figure is according to the answers given by 400 respondents to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) online questionnaire about the levels of confidence that citizens have in electronic transactions and their awareness of cybersecurity measures.
60% of respondents answered that they felt comfortable browsing the internet and in carrying out electronic transactions, while 80% considered it important to safeguard privacy, citing identity theft, viruses and digital espionage as their main concerns.
On the other hand, 64% answered that they avoided certain activities on line due to security concerns. When it comes to measures safeguarding the security of electronic transactions on the internet, 91% of respondents considered that the development of standards and best practice at an international level could help reduce existing threats.
The results of the questionnaire were released as part of the commemorations of World Telecommunication Day and World Information Society Day, held on 25 April. The ITU has also launched a portal on Cybersecurity (ITU Cybersecurity Gateway), which gives access to a range of information about international and national initiatives.
More info:
- World Days of Telecommunications and the Information Society https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=362513
Further information:
- Nota de imprensa da UIT sobre os resultados do questionário (em inglês) http://www.itu.int/newsroom/press_releases/2006/09.html
- Resultados do questionário on-line http://www.itu.int/newsroom/wtd/2006/survey/charts/index.asp
- ITU Cybersecurity Gateway http://www.itu.int/cybersecurity/index.html
