Keeper Security today released Fortifying Cyber Resilience: Insights Into Global Cybersecurity Practices. The survey of more than 6,000 respondents globally finds that 62% of people are worried about managing too many passwords, accounts and logins. This statistic underscores a growing concern among users about the complexity of password management. The report reveals critical insights into current security practices, highlighting both strengths and gaps that need to be addressed.
Overconfidence in Cybersecurity Habits
Many individuals exhibit overconfidence in their cybersecurity practices – particularly regarding password management. The survey shows that while 85% of respondents believe their passwords are secure, over half admit to sharing their passwords. Additionally, 64% of people feel confident in their cybersecurity knowledge despite 2 in 5 admitting to password reuse and 24% writing down their passwords.
Popular Password Management Practices
Risky password management practices further emphasize the disconnect between widespread cybersecurity confidence and the actual state of global cyber hygiene. Keeper's research finds the most common methods for managing passwords include:
- Relying on memory (26%)
- Writing them down (24%)
- Storing them in a browser or phone notes app (19%)
While many people think their passwords are secure, their behaviors indicate a critical need for advanced tools and comprehensive education. Adopting a password manager, creating strong and unique passwords for every account, and enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) everywhere it's available, can significantly enhance an individual's personal cybersecurity.
Password Sharing Still Prevalent
Despite crackdowns by streaming services, over a third of respondents (34%) admit to sharing passwords for streaming sites. The other most commonly shared passwords include:
- Shopping accounts (22%)
- Personal emails (20%)
- Social media (16%)
- Work/school emails (16%)
- Bank account passwords/pins (15%)
- Work productivity platforms (13%)
Work To Be Done
The widespread challenges in bolstering global cyber hygiene demonstrate the need for education on the risks of insecure password sharing and management, as well as the adoption of solutions that will bolster cyber resilience. Despite leading industry experts and government cybersecurity agencies recommending the use of a secure password manager to store, generate and securely share passwords, Keeper's research shows that only 12% of respondents are doing so. These tools are crucial for managing online accounts and identities safely.
"The data reveals a cybersecurity paradox where people feel confident in their cybersecurity knowledge, yet are frequently targeted by cyber attacks and scams," said Darren Guccione, CEO and Co-Founder of Keeper Security. "This disparity emphasizes that knowledge alone cannot mitigate cyber risks; using tools like password managers and following best practices are vital for reducing cyber risks."
Download the full report to learn more.
