Eurobarometer survey on Cybercrime: EU citizens concerned by security of personal information and online payments

A new Eurobarometer survey shows that Internet users are very concerned about cyber security: 89% avoid disclosing personal information online, and 74% agree that the risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime has increased in the past year. 12% of internet users across the EU have already experienced online fraud, and 8% have fallen victim to identity theft. Nonetheless, 53% have not changed any of their online passwords during the past year.

"What is more surprising is that only half of Europeans take effective measures to protect themselves from cybercrime", said Cecilia Malmström, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs.

Other key findings of the survey are:

• 53% of internet users say they buy goods or services online, 52% use social networking sites, 48% bank online, while 20% sell goods or services
• 29% are not confident about their ability to use the internet for things like online banking or online purchases
• 59% do not feel well informed about the risks of cybercrime
• 40% are concerned about someone taking or misusing their personal data and 38% show concern about the security of online payments

Consumers want Internet, phone and TV in one package

A new Eurobarometer survey "E-Communications Household Survey", shows that four out of ten European households are buying "bundled" Internet, phone and TV services from a single provider and that one in four respondents considered that their Internet download/upload speeds do not match the conditions of the contract they signed. However, six out of ten households say they have never considered switching to another service provider as they have to face too many obstacles such as the risk of a temporary loss of service, the risk of having to pay for more than one provider during the switching process and the lack of clarity about the steps required for switching.

The survey measures the attitude of European households and individuals towards fixed and mobile telephony, Internet access, TV broadcast services, bundled offers, privacy, quality of services, affordability and switching.

Download the survey