New research has exposed the widespread insecurities and concerns of UK adults around the risks of balancing technology and digital security.

Kaspersky’s study, Excitement, superstition and great insecurity – how global consumers engage with the digital world, was conducted by Arlington Research in a survey of 10,000 consumers worldwide, including 1,000 in the UK, with some surprising, and contradictory, results. 

For example, nearly half (49%) of respondents had taken the step of covering their webcam when not in use, but a similar number (44%) admitted to taking funny tests or playing mini-games on social media to post the results in public.

Likewise, 32% believed that anything posted online, including personal information, can be used to train AI applications such as Chat GPT, without seeking permission of the owner, whilst 41% were convinced that it requires explicit permission for any of their personal data to be used.

This level of insecurity among digital consumers is evident in other ways, too. Forty-three percent of people said they were uncertain how to be safe when it comes to using digital devices, and over half (52%) said they did not feel safe on the Internet as a whole.

That’s despite 39% believing that it is perfectly safe to log onto openly available Wi-Fi networks.

Among the most concerning issues for respondents were their smartphones tracking their movement without their knowledge (67%), that digital assistants like Alexa or Siri listen to everything said within earshot 24 hours a day (49%), and that payment cards stored in digital wallets can be copied wirelessly and used without their knowledge (40%).

The results also show an alarming lack of knowledge about the health implications of using digital devices. Almost a quarter (24%) blamed modern communication technology for an increase in heart problems, and more than one in five (22%) regarded 6G technology as potentially unsafe

People are even wary about using their own phone, with 53% saying they don’t keep their smartphones on their nightstand when they sleep, and 49% believing that they even emit harmful radiation. 

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When it comes to the future, the results show people are more optimistic about the role of technology. Forty-three percent thought that AI would improve lives, with 34% saying that an AI manager would be a better boss than their current human equivalent. Over half (57%) said they would find AI useful in managing their lives.

Regarding the findings, Kaspersky’s web-content analyst, Anna Larkina, said: “Our research underscores the significance of a well-informed approach to cybersecurity and digital privacy. To ensure safety and protection, it’s essential to maintain a critical mindset, relying solely on verified sources and facts. 

“This entails disregarding unproven techniques and myths. Furthermore, implementing a comprehensive security solution that offers robust protection against a diverse range of threats and risks can prove invaluable.”