Malware and harmful software
Protection of home computers and laptops against harmful software
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- Protection of mobile devices from harmful software
- Who is responsible for protecting consumers against harmful software
- Introduction
Protection of home computers and laptops against harmful softwareThe research indicates that most adult internet users were active in protecting their home computers and laptops from harmful software and viruses. However, a notable minority reported that their home computer or laptop does not have protective software (10 per cent) and a further eight per cent that it is not regularly updated. Nineteen per cent reported that operating systems are not kept up-to-date (19 per cent). Various other methods of minimising risks from harmful software were in use, including not clicking on email links from unknown senders (82 per cent of internet users with home computers or laptops), immediately deleting emails from unknown sources (82 per cent), not visiting certain websites (79 per cent), keeping browsers up-to-date (78 per cent) and keeping program software up-to-date (76 per cent). Key reasons mentioned for not having protections were: having a computer brand that does not get infections (15 per cent) having no need of protections (12 per cent) not knowing how to install antivirus protection or how to update computer software (nine per cent). There were only minor differences between age groups with young adults aged 18–24 years least likely to keep protective software up-to-date, click on email links from unknown senders and delete emails from unknown sources. Older adults aged 65 years and over were least likely to update their program software. Protection of mobile devices from harmful softwareInternet users were considerably less certain about whether their mobile phone and other mobile devices are protected against harmful software. Just over half (52 per cent) of adults who usually used a mobile device (for financial transactions or social networking) said it is protected. Almost a quarter reported that it was not protected (24 per cent) and the same proportion said they did not know (24 per cent). Key reasons for believing mobile devices are protected from harmful software were: an understanding that the operating system has built-in protections (36 per cent of people who said their device is protected) having installed protective software themselves (29 per cent) not experiencing any problems or infections (eight per cent) no reason/did not know (10 per cent).
individual internet users (90 per cent of internet users reported this) ISPs (57 per cent) computer software suppliers (45 per cent) government (22 per cent). Some focus group participants seemed to be aware of potential security risks that can result from a malware infection, and that infections can occur without a user’s knowledge. Some had experienced compromises that had affected the operation of their computer. Other participants said they knew that malware and/or virus infections were ‘bad’ but they lacked any further knowledge about possible consequences. Limitations were recognised by a number of participants to existing protections against harmful software and malware. This included a lack of trust and confidence in the security of certain operating systems, and the need to maintain and keep operating systems and antivirus software up-to-date. Some participants also recognised that protective software could not guard against all infections, particularly new and more sophisticated forms of harmful software or malware. Some participants said they only used their personal computers for online banking because they perceived them as being more secure than their mobile devices. Very few participants were certain that their mobile device was protected from harmful software and assumed that it was protected; some had not experienced harmful software, and during discussions others began to question whether their smartphone was actually protected. Many participants said they were unsure of the role played by ISPs in protecting computers from harmful software. While many supported the idea that ISPs inform their customers if they become aware that their computer is compromised, they were also concerned about their privacy and the possibility of being monitored by ISPs. IntroductionIn 2012, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (the ACMA) commissioned quantitative and qualitative research with Australians aged 18 years and over into consumer awareness of malware (malicious software) threats, the use of protections against harmful software and views on who is responsible for protecting computers against malware. Malware infections enable computers to be controlled remotely for illegal or harmful purposes without the computer users’ knowledge. While malware compromises may not be recognised by affected computer users, possible repercussions for internet users include the mass distribution of spam, hosting of phishing sites or identity theft. This report presents research that formed part of a larger study into consumer views about unsolicited communications and malware. It provides a context for the ACMA’s activities relating to malware, notably the AISI under which internet providers are notified of malware infections affecting their customers, and the Cybersmart program, which helps children and families to use the internet safely and securely. The following chapters present survey findings from telephone interviews with 1,500 Australians aged 18 years and over. The survey data has been weighted to represent the Australian adult population with telecommunication access and includes people with fixed-line home phones and those with mobiles only. Verbatim quotations from focus group participants are included alongside the survey findings. These help in understanding some of the ways that people speak about their use of online media and the protections they use against harmful software. Directory: media media -> Applications to Drill media -> Unicef voices of Youth Chat Theme: Children and aids nigeria and Zimbabwe 13 October 2006 Background media -> Tsunami Terror Alert: Voices of Youth media -> Biblical Eschatology Presentation by: D. Paul Beck May 4, 2016 Ground Rules media -> Guide to completing the collection using the Omnibus system media -> The milk carton kids media -> Events Date and Location media -> The Gilded Age: The First Generation of Historians by H. Wayne Morgan University of Oklahoma, April 18, 1997 media -> Analysis of Law in the United Kingdom pertaining to Cross-Border Disaster Relief Prepared by: For the 30 June 2010 Foreword media -> Cuba fieldcourse 2010 Download 297.27 Kb. Share with your friends:
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