norton wi-fi risk report: global

Norton Wi-Fi Risk Report

Report of Online Survey Results in Nine Global Markets

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Norton by Symantec commissioned an online survey across nine countries in order to better understand consumers’ public Wi-Fi perceptions and practices, unveiling consumer misconceptions and worries about the safety of these connections.

This survey provides an overview of how much consumers know about public Wi-Fi connections. While use of public Wi-Fi is nearly universal, most consumers are unaware of the dangers of public Wi-Fi and regularly put their personal information at risk. The survey’s findings provide consumers with much-needed context to make better decisions about protecting their personal information while using public Wi-Fi.

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Research Objective

Methodology

USA UK AUSTRALIA CANADA JAPAN

N=1,025

MOE=+/- 3%

N=1,044

MOE=+/- 3%

N=1,028

MOE=+/- 3%

N=1,005

MOE=+/- 3%

N=1,008

MOE=+/-3%

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• Methodology: Online 5 minute survey

• Markets: US, UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, France, Germany, Brazil, and Mexico

• Target Audience: General Population (Adults, 18+) who use Wi-Fi

• # of Interviews: ~n=1,000 per market

• Fieldwork Dates: May 17 – May 31, 2016

FRANCE GERMANY BRAZIL MEXICO

N=1,013

MOE=+/- 3%

N=1,005

MOE=+/- 3%

N=1,002

MOE=+/- 3%

N=1,005

MOE=+/- 3%

Key Findings: Global

• Use of public Wi-Fi is nearly universal, with 86% of consumers globally having used public Wi-Fi on at least one of their devices. 72% have used it on their smartphone and 42% have done so on their laptop.

– Public Wi-Fi use is especially prominent among Millennials (95% vs 89% for Gen X and 74% for 55+)

– Almost all parents (94%) have used public Wi-Fi on at least one of their devices

• And consumers, particularly Millennials and parents, regularly exhibit risky public Wi-Fi behaviors.

– More than half of consumers globally have logged into personal email (55%) and social media accounts (54%), and one in five have even accessed financial/banking information over public Wi-Fi

– 90% of parents have taken a potentially compromising action (logged into an account, shared information, etc.) on public Wi-Fi, vs 73% of non-parents

– Surprisingly, Millennials are most likely to expose their information over public Wi-Fi (92% vs 83% for Gen X and 65% for 55+)

• Connected home users are no exception; among those who have accessed a connected home device over public Wi-Fi, 60% did so with their home entertainment device, 43% with a smart car device and 34% with home entry systems.

• Its not that consumers are ignoring the risks; they're unaware of the risks and don't understand the dangers of using unprotected Wi-Fi networks

– More than one in two (57%) believe their personal information is safe when using public Wi-Fi

– Additionally, only one in three consumers can tell the difference between a secure and unsecure public Wi-Fi network

– Younger generations are more likely to think their information shared over public Wi-Fi is safe. (Millennials 62%, Gen X 58%, consumers 55+ 51%), and surprisingly so are parents (62% vs 53% of non-parents)

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Key Findings: Global (cont.)

• However, once consumers consider what can happen over public Wi-Fi, they rightfully express significant worries. In fact, consumers dread the thought of exposing their information over public Wi-Fi.

– Consumers worry most about free Wi-Fi networks that steal user information (88%), unauthorized access to their financial information (87%) and personal photos and videos (80%), and getting infected with malware (86%)

– 69% would dread having their social media accounts hacked when using coffee shop Wi-Fi more than not having internet access at all

– 74% would dread a criminal selling the login/passwords to sensitive accounts more than an intimate photo leak

• Still, only half of consumers (49%) take personal responsibility for keeping their information safe.

– Millennials are less likely to take personal responsibility (46% vs 49% Gen X vs 52% 55+)

– Consistent use of VPNs (the best way to protect personal information on unprotected Wi-Fi networks) is extremely low (20%), likely due to lack of knowledge of how the technology works among those who do not already use it (40%)

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DETAILED FINDINGS

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Use of public Wi-Fi is nearly universal

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Base: Total Respondents (N=9,135)S8. Have you ever used a public Wi-Fi connection? Please note that public connections may include Wi-Fi offered at hotels, coffee shops, public transportation like airports, etc. [Multi Select]

72%

42%35%

7%2%

11%

Yes, on my mobilephone

Yes, on my laptop Yes, on my tablet Yes, on another device Unsure No, I never use publicWi-Fi on any of my

devices

Use of Public Wi-Fi(Global Total)

Use public Wi-Fi

86%

U.S. CAN U.K. DE FR AUS JP BR ME

87% 89% 86% 81% 86% 84% 75% 93% 97%

Base: Total Respondents (N=9,135)Q3. Which of the following have you done on your mobile phone and/or tablet while connected to a public Wi-Fi network? [Multi Select]

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And consumers regularly exhibit risky public Wi-Fi behaviors - over half say they have logged into email and social media accounts over public Wi-Fi

55%

54%

38%

24%

24%

20%

17%

15%

14%

12%

7%

19%

Logged into my personal email account

Logged into my social media account(s)

Shared photos or videos

Logged onto other accounts using a password

Logged into my work email account

Checked/accessed bank/financial information

Shared travel plans or location information

Sent a work document

Entered personally identifiable information

Provided my credit card details

Managed my connected home device

None of the above

Activities Done Over Public Wi-Fi(Global Total)

81%have shared information

over public Wi-FiBrazilian and Mexican users are significantly more

likely to share information over public Wi-Fi, compared to the other countries surveyed (93%

and 95% respectively)

Base: Respondents Who Have Used/Accessed Their Connected Home Devices Over Public Wi-Fi (N=602)Q4. Which of the following connected home devices have you accessed over public Wi-Fi? [Multi Select]

9

Connected home users are no exception. 34% of those who have accessed a connected home device over public Wi-Fi did so with their home entry system

60% 59%

43%34%

30% 27%

16%

Entertainment Router Car (internet access, remotestart, music streaming,Bluetooth, GPS, etc.)

Home entry system Thermostat Baby monitor Other connected homedevice

Average number of devices connected: 2.7

Connected Home Devices Used with Public Wi-Fi (Global Participants Who Have Accessed a Connected Home Device Over Public Wi-Fi)

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Believe their information is safe when using public Wi-Fi (57%)

over1 in 2

only43%Say it is unsafe


61% 69% 64% 58% 49% 63% 37% 53% 57%

Base: Total Respondents (N=9,135)Q2: Do you feel your personal information is safe when using public Wi-Fi connections? [Top 2 Box]

Yes35%

No34%

Unsure31%

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Base: Total Respondents (N=9,135)Q7: Can you tell the difference between a secure or unsecure public Wi-Fi network?


30% 29% 31% 29% 24% 35% 55% 36% 36%

Only 1 in 3 consumers can tell the difference between secure and unsecure public Wi-Fi networks

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Once consumers consider what can happen over public Wi-Fi, they

rightfully express significant worries

88% 87% 86% 80% 79% 79% 74%

Free Wi-Finetworks that

steal informationentered by Wi-Fi

users

Someoneaccessing my

financialinformation

Infecting mysystem with

malware

Someoneaccessing my

personal photosand videos

Someoneaccessing mylocation data

Someone readingmy emails

Someoneaccessing mysearch history

Base: Total Respondents (N=9,135)Q5: When using public Wi-Fi networks, how nervous are you about each of the following? [Top 2 Box]

Worries Over Public Wi-Fi(Global Total % Nervous)

Base: Total Respondents (N=9,135)Q11:Which would you dread the most?

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In fact, they dread the thought of exposing their information over public Wi-Fi

Voting for a presidential /prime minister candidate that I hate, 11%

Having my intimate photos posted online without my consent, 26%

Not having Internet access, 31%

Losing my mobile phone, 37%

Someone monitoring the files, photos and credentials I send over public Wi-Fi without my permission, 44%

Having my financial information stolen because I paid a bill online, 89%

A criminal selling the login and passwords to my sensitive accounts, 74%

Having my social media accounts hacked when using coffee shop Wi-Fi, 69%

Having my emails, photos and personal details exposed, 63%

Having someone peer over my shoulder while I key in my banking PIN code to withdraw money at an ATM, 56%

Which is Dreaded the Most?(Global Total)

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Only 1 IN 2Take personal responsibility for the safety of their information

Base: Total Respondents (N=9,135)Q6: If you were to use a public Wi-Fi network to log into a personal account, like social media or a bank account, and a criminal used this information to target you, who do you believe is most responsible to ensure your information is safe?


50% 49% 48% 56% 37% 48% 62% 36% 54%

49%

18%

18%

11%

3%

1%

Me

The Wi-Fi company

The site I logged into

The business where I accessedthe network

The police/law enforcementagency

Other

Who is Responsible(Global Total)

15

21% 20%17%

11%

5%

21%

4%

Only use websites thatuse HTTPS and the

green bar at the top ofthe browser

Use my own privatenetwork such as a VPN

(a Virtual PrivateNetwork)

Use public Wi-Fi attrusted locations (e.g.,airport, hotel, public

transportation)

Confirm name of Wi-Fiand password with the

service provider

Accept the terms andconditions provided by

the service provider

I don’t know None of these

Base: Total Respondents (N=9,135)Q8: Information sent over a public Wi-Fi network may be vulnerable (not encrypted) to attackers spying on that network. Knowing this, which of the following do you think is the best way to protect your information while using a public Wi-Fi network?

What Consumers Believe is the Best Way to Protect Information When Using Public Wi-Fi(Global Total % Selected)

There is a significant lack of understanding about the best way to protect information when using public Wi-Fi

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ONLY 2 in 10 use a VPN every time when using Wi-Fi

Base: Total Respondents (N=9,135)Q9: Do you use a VPN every time you use Wi-Fi?


18% 13% 16% 23% 17% 18% 14% 35% 31%

No49%

Yes21%

I never heard of VPN before today

31%

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Base: Respondents Who Do Not Use VPNs Every Time They Use Wi-Fi (n=4,464)Q10: What are the key reasons you don’t use a VPN every time you are on Wi-Fi?


38% 39% 39% 36% 38% 38% 36% 42% 51%

40%

24%

15%

14%

13%

11%

9%

4%

I don’t know how to use a VPN

I don’t know where to buy/how to install it

It’s inconvenient

It’s not necessary

It’s too expensive

I don’t believe I am at risk

I don’t believe it would benefit me

Other

Reasons for Not Using a VPN When Using Wi-Fi(Global Participants Who Do Not Use a VPN Every Time They Use Wi-Fi)

Core reason –Lack of knowledge about how to use them

APPENDIX

Additional findings and research angles

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Key Findings: Generations

• Use of public Wi-Fi is widespread, especially among Millennials. 95% of millennial consumers globally have used public Wi-Fi on at least one of their devices, compared to 89% Gen X and 74% 55+. 90% have used it on their smartphone, compared to 77% Gen X and only 47% of 55+.

– Over half of Millennials globally (53%) have used public Wi-Fi on a laptop – compared to only 41% Gen X and 33% 55+.

• There is a strong misperception around the safety of public Wi-Fi, especially among Millennials. Over half (62%) believe their personal information is safe when using public Wi-Fi (58% Gen X, 51% 55+).

• 55+ are more cautious overall, while Millennials are slightly more care-free.

– 79% of consumers 55+ say using public Wi-Fi is risky, vs only 63% of Millennials.

– However, this pales in comparison to the 96% of consumers 55+ who say clicking on a link or downloading files in emails from unknown senders is risky (vs 89% of Millennials).

• It is unsurprising then to find that millennial consumers are more likely to engage in all kinds of activities that expose their personal information over public Wi-Fi.

– More than six in 10 have logged into personal email (63%) and social media (71%) accounts, (personal email: 56% Gen X, 46% 55+) (social media: 56% Gen X, 32% 55+).

– More than one in four Millennials have accessed financial or banking information over public Wi-Fi, compared to only 13% of 55+.

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Key Findings: Generations (cont.)

• However, Millennials are more nervous about someone accessing their personal photos and videos (83% vs 75% 55+) and location data (82% vs 77% 55+), while consumers 55+ are more worried about someone accessing their search history (77% vs 72% Millennials).

• Yet consumers 55+ are slightly more likely to take personal responsibility for keeping their information safe – though still reluctant.

– When considering a situation where a criminal would use personal information accessed over public Wi-Fi to target the consumer, 52% of consumers 55+ take personal responsibility for ensuring information safety (vs only 46% of Millennials).

• The core of the problem appears to be a lack of knowledge about secure vs unsecure Wi-Fi – only one in four Millennials say using VPN is the best way to protect information when using public Wi-Fi, and the number is even lower for Gen X (21%) and 55+ (14%).

– Less than half of Millennials say they can tell the difference between a secure or unsecure public Wi-Fi network. Again, this number decreases for Gen X (36%) and 55+ (21%).

– Millennials are the least likely to admit to not knowing the best way to protect their information while using a public Wi-Fi (11% vs 21% Gen X vs 32% 55+).

• Consistent use of VPNs is extremely low among Millennials (26%), but even lower among Gen X (22%) and 55+ (13%).

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Key Findings: Gender

• 89% of men and 83% of women globally have used public Wi-Fi on at least one of their devices.

– Both men and women are most likely to have done so on their smartphone (75% of men and 69% of women).

– The largest difference is in laptop usage, with 48% of men accessing public Wi-Fi on a laptop vs 36% of women.

• There is a strong misperception around the safety of public Wi-Fi.

– Women are more likely than men to view public Wi-Fi as risky (75% vs 67%), but actions like sharing ATM PINs are still viewed as riskier by both sexes (97% women, 93% men).

– Overall though, 56% of women and 58% of men feel their information is safe on public Wi-Fi.

• It is unsurprising then to find that consumers engage in all kinds of activities that expose their personal information over public Wi-Fi.

– Women are slightly less likely to take potentially compromising actions on public Wi-Fi, but the vast majority still have (78% vs 83% of men).

– Men are particularly more likely to have taken actions related to work (28% have logged into a work email account vs 19% of women; 19% have sent a work document vs 12% of women), as well as log into their own email accounts (58% vs 53%).

• And this is no different among those who have accessed their connected home devices over public Wi-Fi (8% of men and 5% of women).

– While men are equally or more likely to have accessed most types of connected devices, women are more likely to have accessed a car-related connected device (46% vs 40%).

• However, once consumers consider what can happen over public Wi-Fi, they express numerous and significant worries, such as theft of their information, someone accessing their financial information and personal photos/videos, or getting infected with malware.

– Women are slightly more nervous on average, though men are equally as likely to worry about someone reading their emails (79% for both men and women).

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Key Findings: Gender (cont.)

• …and situations associated with exposed information over public Wi-Fi are dreaded.

– 71% of women and 66% of men would dread having their social media accounts hacked when using coffee shop Wi-Fi more than not having internet access at all.

– 91% of women and 87% of men would dread their financial information being stolen after paying a bill online more than voting for a presidential candidate they hate.

• Yet few take personal responsibility for keeping their information safe.

– When asked to contemplate a situation where a criminal would use personal information accessed over public Wi-Fi to target a consumer, most do not consider themselves most responsible for ensuring the safety of their information – though men are most likely to assume personal responsibility, barely half do so (52% vs 46% of women).

• The core of the problem appears to be a lack of knowledge about secure vs unsecure Wi-Fi.

– Over seven in 10 women are unable or unsure of how to differentiate between a secure and unsecure network, and nearly six in 10 men say the same.

– Women (27% vs 16%) are most likely to admit to not knowing the best way to protect their information when using public Wi-Fi.

• Consistent use of VPNs is extremely low, particularly among women.

– Fewer than one in four men use a VPN every time they use Wi-Fi, and this is even lower among women, 40% of whom had not heard of a VPN before this study.

– Among those who do not use a VPN, 47% of women and 35% of men say it is because they do not know how; men are more likely to cite inconvenience (17% vs 11%) or lack of necessity (16% vs 11%).

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Key Findings: Parents

• Use of public Wi-Fi is widespread, particularly among parents.

– 94% of parents and 81% of non-parents have connected to public Wi-Fi on at least one of their devices.

– For both parents and non-parents, public Wi-Fi is most commonly accessed via smartphone, but there is also the largest usage discrepancy here (86% for parents vs 62% for non-parents).

• Parents also have a stronger misperception around the safety of public Wi-Fi.

– 62% of parents feel their personal information is safe on public Wi-Fi (vs. 53% of non-parents).

• It is unsurprising then to find that parents are also more likely to engage in all kinds of activities that expose their personal information over public Wi-Fi.

– 90% of parents have taken a potentially compromising action (logged into an account, shared information, etc.) on public Wi-Fi, vs 73% of non-parents.

– On public Wi-Fi, parents are most likely to have logged on to their social media account(s) (66% vs 44%), while non-parents are most likely to have logged into their personal email, though this is still higher among parents (50% of non-parents vs 62% of parents).

– Over one in four parents have accessed their financial information over public Wi-Fi.

• And this is no different among those who have accessed their connected home devices over public Wi-Fi (11% of parents and 3% of non-parents).

– Parents are more than twice as likely to have accessed a home entry device over public Wi-Fi (41% vs 18% of non-parents).

• However, once they consider what can happen over public Wi-Fi, parents and non-parents alike express numerous and significant worries, such as theft of their information, someone accessing their financial information, or getting infected with malware.

– Parents are slightly more nervous on average than non-parents, with the largest differences emerging around someone accessing location data (82% parents vs 77% non-parents) and personal photos and videos (85% vs 76%).

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Key Findings: Parents (cont.)

• …and situations associated with exposed information over public Wi-Fi are dreaded.

– 76% of parents would dread having their social media accounts hacked when using coffee shop Wi-Fi more than not having internet access at all (vs 63% of non-parents).

– 78% of non-parents would dread a criminal selling the login and passwords to their sensitive accounts more than having their intimate photos posted online without their consent (vs 69% of parents).

• Parents and non-parents are equally resistant to taking personal responsibility for keeping their information safe.

– When asked to contemplate a situation where a criminal would use personal information accessed over public Wi-Fi to target a consumer, most do not consider themselves most responsible for ensuring the safety of their information - 51% of non-parents and 52% of parents believe anyone other than them is responsible for keeping their information safe, including the Wi-Fi company, business where the network is accessed or the site they logged into.


– Despite engaging in risky behaviors, parents are more likely to claim they can differentiate between a secure and unsecure Wi-Fi network (43% vs 29% of non-parents) –but a majority still lack this knowledge.

– In the same vein, while parents are more likely to say a VPN is the best way to protect their information on a public Wi-Fi network, only 24% selected this option, and only 27% use one every time they use Wi-Fi.

– Non-parents are also most likely to admit to not knowing of the best way to protect information when using public Wi-Fi (27% vs 14%).

• And, relatedly, the key barrier to consistent VPN usage is lack of knowledge.

– 52% of parents and 46% of non-parents do not use a VPN every time they use Wi-Fi; 20% of parents and 38% of non-parents had not even heard of it prior to this study.

– Among those who answered they did not use a VPN every time, the most common reason was lack of knowledge on how to use one (39% of parents and 40% of non-parents).

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Key Findings: Regions

• Use of public Wi-Fi is widespread, with 86% of consumers globally having used public Wi-Fi on their device.

– Use of public Wi-Fi is highest in Latin America (95%) and lowest in APAC (79%).

– In all regions, public Wi-Fi is most commonly accessed via smartphone, with use rates ranging from 91% in Latin America to 59% in APAC (70% in both North America and EMEA).

• There is a strong misperception around the safety of public Wi-Fi.

– North Americans are most trusting, with 65% believing their personal information is safe on public Wi-Fi networks. APAC is most cautious, but even there 50% still say it is safe. EMEA (57%) and Latin America (55%) fall in the middle.

• It is unsurprising then to find that consumers engage in all kinds of activities that expose their personal information over public Wi-Fi.

– 94% in Latin America have entered or shared information/logged into an account over public Wi-Fi, the highest of all regions. Specifically, three in four Latin Americans have logged on to their social media account(s), two in three have logged into their personal email, and over six in 10 have shared photos or videos.

– APAC consumers were least likely to have taken a potentially compromising action on public Wi-Fi, but even then 69% had, most commonly logging into their personal email (39%) and social media account(s) (37%).

– Roughly eight in 10 North American (79%) and EMEA (80%) consumers have entered or shared their information over public Wi-Fi.

– Interestingly, the proportion of consumers accessing their financial information does not vary much from region to region, with North Americans most likely to do so (23%), followed closely by Latin America and EMEA (21% each), and APAC least likely (17%).

• And this is no different among those who have accessed their connected home devices over public Wi-Fi (10% Latin America, 6% APAC and EMEA, 5% North America)

– Entertainment connected home devices are the most common type accessed in North America (60%) and Latin America (74%). In APAC it is routers (50%) and EMEA accesses both roughly equally (54% routers, 53% entertainment).

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Key Findings: Regions (cont.)

• However, once consumers consider what can happen over public Wi-Fi, they express numerous and significant worries.

– Latin America is most nervous, and top concerns are free Wi-Fi networks that steal information entered by Wi-Fi users (94%), someone accessing their financial information (93%), and someone accessing their location data or being affected by malware (92% each).

– In North America, APAC, and EMEA, consumers are most nervous about free Wi-Fi networks that steal information entered by Wi-Fi users, (84% NA, 87% APAC & EMEA), someone accessing their financial information (84% NA, 87% APAC & EMEA), and getting infected with malware (83% NA, 86% APAC and EMEA).

• …and situations associated with exposed information over public Wi-Fi are dreaded

– 85% in Latin America would dread having their social media accounts hacked when using coffee shop Wi-Fi more than not having internet access at all, the highest of all regions.

– 79% in North America would dread a criminal selling the login and passwords to their sensitive accounts more than having their intimate photos posted online without their consent.

• Yet few take personal responsibility for keeping their information safe.

– When considering a situation where a criminal would use personal information accessed over public Wi-Fi to target the consumer, many do not take personal responsibility for ensuring information safety – APAC is most likely to do so, but still only 54% take personal responsibility. Fewer than half do so in North America (49%), Latin America (45%), and EMEA (47%).


– This uncertainty is particularly pronounced in APAC, with 79% unable or unsure how to differentiate between a secure or unsecure Wi-Fi network.

– Furthermore, APAC consumers are most likely to admit they do not know the best way to protect their information over public Wi-Fi (29%) and least likely to select VPN as the answer (13%). Latin Americans had the least uncertainty (8%) and were most likely to select a VPN (30%).

• Consistent use of VPNs is extremely low

– While Latin Americans are most likely to use a VPN every time they use Wi-Fi, still only one in three do so. For all other regions, this falls to fewer than one in five.

– 42% of APAC participants had not even heard of a VPN before this study, but interestingly it is Latin Americans who do not universally use VPNs that most often cite a lack of knowledge as their reason (46% vs 38% NA and 37% APAC & EMEA).

26

Key Findings: US

• Use of public Wi-Fi is widespread, with 87% of US consumers having used public Wi-Fi on at least one of their devices. 69% have used it on their smartphone.

– Public Wi-Fi use is especially prominent among US Millennials (98% vs 89% for Gen X and 75% for 55+).

– 94% of US parents have used public Wi-Fi on at least one of their devices.

• Many consumers engage in all kinds of activities that expose their personal information over public Wi-Fi.

– More than half have logged into personal email (58%) and social media accounts (56%), and one in five have even accessed financial/banking information over public Wi-Fi.

– 89% of US parents have taken a potentially compromising action (logged into an account, shared information, etc.) on public Wi-Fi, vs 72% of non-parents.

• US connected home users are no exception; 73% of those who have accessed a connected home device over public Wi-Fi did so with their home entertainment device, 44% with smart car devices and 40% with home entry systems.

• These dangerous consumer behaviors are due to a misperception about the safety of public Wi-Fi.

– More than one in two (61%) believe their personal information is safe when using public Wi-Fi.

– Younger generations are more likely to think public Wi-Fi is safe. (US Millennials 68%, Gen X 62%, consumers 55+ 55%), and surprisingly so are parents (66% vs 59% of non-parents).

– Additionally, only four in 10 US consumers can tell the difference between secure and unsecure public Wi-Fi networks.

– Surprisingly, “tech-savvy” Millennials are most likely to expose their information over public Wi-Fi (94% vs 82% for Gen X and 60% for 55+).

27

Key Findings: US (cont.)

• However, once consumers consider what can happen over public Wi-Fi they express numerous and significant worries. In fact, they dread the thought of exposing their information over public Wi-Fi.

– US consumers worry most about free Wi-Fi networks that steal user information (85%), unauthorized access to their financial information (85%), and getting infected with malware (84%).

– 63% would dread having their social media accounts hacked when using coffee shop Wi-Fi more than not having internet access at all (37%).

– 87% would dread their financial information being stolen after paying a bill online more than voting for a presidential candidate they hate (13%).

• But only half of US consumers (50%) take personal responsibility for keeping their information safe.

– Women in the US are less likely to take personal responsibility than are men (47% vs 53%).

– Consistent use of VPNs (the best way to protect personal information on unprotected Wi-Fi networks) is extremely low in the US (18%) likely due to lack of awareness of how the technology works among those who do not already use it (38%).

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APPENDIX

Detailed Data by Country

29

Use of public Wi-Fi is widespread

30

Base: Total Respondents (N=9,135)S8. Have you ever used a public Wi-Fi connection? Please note that public connections may include Wi-Fi offered at hotels, coffee shops, public transportation like airports, etc. [Multi Select]

69% 71% 73%69% 68% 67%

52%

89% 92%

39% 37% 36%29%

34%29%

23%

37%

50%47%

43%

33% 35%

51%

38%

27%

46%

61%

7% 7% 5% 7% 6% 6% 6%10% 10%

2% 2% 2% 3% 2% 3% 4% 1% 1%

11% 9%12%

16%12% 14%

21%

5%2%

US Canada UK Germany France Australia Japan Brazil Mexico

Yes, on my mobile phone Yes, on my tabletYes, on my laptop Yes, on another deviceUnsure No, I never use public Wi-Fi on any of my devices

Use of Public Wi-Fi(By Country)

87% 89% 86% 81% 86% 84% 75% 93% 97%Total Using Public Wi-Fi

And a majority feel their information is safe on these networks

31

13% 13%11% 10% 11% 11%

4%

14% 15%

49%

56%53%

48%

39%

52%

33%

39%42%

28%24%

28%31%

37%

28%

52%

33% 34%

11%7% 8%

11%13%

9% 10%13%

9%

US Canada UK Germany France Australia Japan Brazil Mexico

Very safe Somewhat safe Somewhat unsafe Very unsafe

Perceived Safety of Personal Information When Using Public Wi-Fi(By Country)

61% 69% 64% 58% 49% 63% 37% 53% 57%Total Safe

Base: Total Respondents (N=9,135)Q2: Do you feel your personal information is safe when using public Wi-Fi connections? [Top 2 Box]

A majority in all countries have shared information over public Wi-Fi

32

Base: Total Respondents (N=9,135)Q3. Which of the following have you done on your mobile phone and/or tablet while connected to a public Wi-Fi network? [Multi Select]

Logged into my personal email account 58% 59% 57% 52% 61% 50% 28% 63% 69%

Logged into my work email account 22% 22% 23% 18% 22% 18% 11% 37% 42%

Sent a work document (e.g., planning document, financials)

13% 12% 13% 11% 14% 13% 7% 22% 33%

Managed my connected home device (e.g., thermostat, home entry, baby monitor, etc.)

5% 6% 6% 6% 5% 6% 5% 10% 10%

Shared travel plans or location information 14% 15% 13% 22% 14% 16% 16% 22% 23%

Checked my bank account or accessed financial information

22% 23% 21% 20% 22% 26% 8% 21% 20%

Logged into my social media account(s) 56% 55% 53% 43% 49% 51% 23% 72% 79%

Provided my credit card details (e.g., when online shopping)

17% 12% 11% 10% 10% 11% 10% 13% 13%

Entered personally identifiable information (e.g., social security number, birthday, address)

13% 13% 12% 14% 13% 12% 8% 19% 17%

Shared photos or videos 38% 32% 31% 38% 33% 30% 15% 59% 64%

Logged onto other accounts using a password 27% 24% 24% 16% 23% 22% 18% 32% 29%

None of the above 22% 19% 22% 22% 16% 22% 40% 7% 5%

Actions Taken on Public Wi-Fi (By Country)

Base: Total Respondents (N=9,135)Q4. Which of the following connected home devices have you accessed over public Wi-Fi? [Multi Select]

33

Over half say they log into email and social media using public Wi-Fi

73% 69%

44% 40%50%

31%

10%

47%40%

37% 39% 35%

21% 19%

59%

44%

38%28%

50%

28%

5%

48%

68%

38%

27%

48%

33%

10%

50% 50%

38%42%

35%40%

19%

63%

48% 41%

24%

13%

21% 21%21%

54%

13%12%

15% 12%

40%

70%77%

52%

33%

19%27%

14%

79%

62% 59%53%

21%31%

13%

Entertainment Router Car (internet access, remotestart, music streaming,Bluetooth, GPS, etc.)

Home entry system Thermostat Baby monitor Other connected home device

USA Canada UK Germany France Australia Japan Brazil Mexico

Connected Home Devices Used with Public Wi-Fi (By Country)

34

There is a universal fear of information exposure over public Wi-Fi

85% 85% 84%

73% 72% 71% 68%

Free Wi-Fi networks thatsteal information entered

by Wi-Fi users

Someone accessing myfinancial information

Infecting my system withmalware

Someone accessing mylocation data

Someone accessing mypersonal photos and

videos

Someone reading myemails

Someone accessing mysearch history

Worries Over Public Wi-Fi (% Nervous By USA)

Base: USA Respondents (N=1,025)Q5: When using public Wi-Fi networks, how nervous are you about each of the following? [Top 2 Box]

35


83% 82% 81%73% 72% 71%

66%


by Wi-Fi users





videos



Worries Over Public Wi-Fi (% Nervous By Canada)

Base: Canadian Respondents (N=1,005)Q5: When using public Wi-Fi networks, how nervous are you about each of the following? [Top 2 Box]

36


84% 83% 80%73% 72%

68%63%



by Wi-Fi users



videos




Worries Over Public Wi-Fi (% Nervous By UK)

Base: UK Respondents (N=1,044)Q5: When using public Wi-Fi networks, how nervous are you about each of the following? [Top 2 Box]

37


88%88% 86%

83% 82% 79% 76%


by Wi-Fi users





videos



Worries Over Public Wi-Fi (% Nervous By Germany)

Base: German Respondents (N=1,005)Q5: When using public Wi-Fi networks, how nervous are you about each of the following? [Top 2 Box]

38


91% 91% 89%82% 82% 80%

76%



by Wi-Fi users



videos




Worries Over Public Wi-Fi (% Nervous By France)

Base: French Respondents (N=1,013)Q5: When using public Wi-Fi networks, how nervous are you about each of the following? [Top 2 Box]

39


84% 83% 83%

74% 74% 74% 72%



by Wi-Fi users



videos




Worries Over Public Wi-Fi (% Nervous By Australia)

Base: Australian Respondents (N=1,028)Q5: When using public Wi-Fi networks, how nervous are you about each of the following? [Top 2 Box]

40


91% 90% 89%84% 84% 83% 82%


by Wi-Fi users







videos

Worries Over Public Wi-Fi (% Nervous By Japan)

Base: Japanese Respondents (N=1,008)Q5: When using public Wi-Fi networks, how nervous are you about each of the following? [Top 2 Box]

41


91% 91% 90% 90%86% 83%

77%


by Wi-Fi users





videos



Worries Over Public Wi-Fi (% Nervous By Brazil)

Base: Brazilian Respondents (N=1,002)Q5: When using public Wi-Fi networks, how nervous are you about each of the following? [Top 2 Box]

42


97%95% 95% 94%

93%92%

85%


by Wi-Fi users




videos




Worries Over Public Wi-Fi (% Nervous By Mexico)

Base: Mexican Respondents (N=1,005)Q5: When using public Wi-Fi networks, how nervous are you about each of the following? [Top 2 Box]

43

1 in 2 take personal responsibility for the safety of their information

Base: Total Respondents (N=9,135)Q6: If you were to use a public Wi-Fi network to log into a personal account, like social media or a bank account, and a criminal used this information to target you, who do you believe is most responsible to ensure your information is safe?

50%

17%13%

17%

2% 2%

49%

15%12%

20%

3% 2%

48%

22%

10%

17%

2% 1%

56%

19%

11% 11%

2% 0%

37%

13% 14%

28%

8%

0%

48%

19%

10%

18%

4%1%

62%

18%

8% 10%

1% 1%

36%

25%

12%

25%

2% 1%

54%

16%14% 14%

2% 1%

Me The Wi-Fi company The business where I accessedthe network

The site I logged into The police/law enforcementagency

Other


Who is Responsible(By Country)

44

Close to 2 in 3 say they cannot tell the difference between an unsecure and a secure public Wi-Fi network

42% 39% 34% 35%43%

34%

9%

37%43%

30%29%

31% 29%24%

35%

55%

36%36%

28% 32% 34% 36% 33% 31% 37%27%

22%


Unsure

No

Yes

Base: Total Respondents (N=9,135)Q7: Can you tell the difference between a secure or unsecure public Wi-Fi network?

Ability to Differentiate Between Secure and Unsecure Public Wi-Fi Network(By Country)

45

18%

26%

10% 10%

5%

24%

5%

22%

17%15%

10%

5%

26%

5%

26%

19%

14%

9%

4%

22%

5%

23%

16%14%

16%

5%

20%

6%

29%

18%

10%

13%

5%

21%

3%

19% 20%

16%

10%

5%

25%

5%

8%7%

26%

10%

6%

34%

9%

22%

28%

22%

9%7%

11%

1%

22%

32%

23%

14%

4%5%

1%

Only use websites that useHTTPS and the green bar at

the top of the browser

Use my own private networksuch as a VPN (a Virtual

Private Network)

Use public Wi-Fi at trustedlocations (e.g., airport, hotel,

public transportation)

Confirm name of Wi-Fi andpassword with the service

provider

Accept the terms andconditions provided by the

service provider

I don’t know None of these


Base: Total Respondents (N=9,135)Q8: Information sent over a public Wi-Fi network may be vulnerable (not encrypted) to attackers spying on that network. Knowing this, which of the following do you think is the best way to protect your information while using a public Wi-Fi network?

What Consumers Believe is the Best Way to Protect Information When Using Public Wi-Fi(% Selected By Country)

…and this is borne out in consumers’ lack of understanding about the best way to protect their information when using public Wi-Fi

46

VPN usage is lowest in Canada and Japan, highest in Brazil

52% 54% 51%44%

52% 53%

32%

51% 50%

18% 13% 16%23%

17% 18%

14%

35%31%

30% 33% 32% 33% 31% 29%

55%

14% 19%


I neverheardof VPNbeforetoday

Yes

No

Every Time VPN Use(By Country)

Base: Total Respondents (N=9,135)Q9: Do you use a VPN every time you use Wi-Fi?

47

Base: Respondents Who Do Not Use a VPN Every Time to Access Wi-Fi (n=4464)Q10: What are the key reasons you don’t use a VPN every time you are on Wi-Fi?

17% 17%14%

25%

11%9%

38%

5%

16% 16% 16%

24%

9%7%

39%

4%

14% 15%

10%

29%

10%8%

39%

4%

15%

20%

10%13% 13% 13%

36%

4%

12%

17%15%

20%

12% 11%

38%

2%

13%

18% 17%

22%

12%8%

38%

5%

17%13%

16%

22%

6% 8%

36%

3%

14%

7%10%

24%

14%11%

42%

5%

10%6%

14%

31%

14%

6%

51%

2%

It’s not necessary It’s inconvenient It’s too expensive I don’t know where to buy/how to install it

I don’t believe I am at risk

I don’t believe it would benefit me

I don’t know how to use a VPN

Other


Reasons for Not Using a VPN When Using Wi-Fi(% Selecting Among Those Who Do Not Always Use a VPN to Access Wi-Fi By Country)

Core reason – lack of knowledge about how to use them

48

Base: USA Respondents (N=1,025)Q11:Which would you dread the most?

But the dread associated with having personal information exposed is prominent











Which is Dreaded the Most?(USA Total)

49

Base: Canada Respondents (N=1,005)Q11:Which would you dread the most?












Which is Dreaded the Most?(Canada Total)

50

Base: UK Respondents (N=1,044)Q11:Which would you dread the most?












Which is Dreaded the Most?(UK Total)

51

Base: German Respondents (N=1,005)Q11:Which would you dread the most?












Which is Dreaded the Most?(Germany Total)

52

Base: French Respondents (N=1, 013)Q11:Which would you dread the most?












Which is Dreaded the Most?(France Total)

53

Base: Australian Respondents (N=1, 028)Q11:Which would you dread the most?












Which is Dreaded the Most?(Australia Total)

54

Base: Japanese Respondents (N=1, 008)Q11:Which would you dread the most?












Which is Dreaded the Most?(Japan Total)

55

Base: Brazilian Respondents (N=1, 002)Q11:Which would you dread the most?












Which is Dreaded the Most?(Brazil Total)

56

Base: Mexican Respondents (N=1, 005)Q11:Which would you dread the most?












Which is Dreaded the Most?(Mexico Total)

Base: Total Respondents (N=9,135)Q12: Please specify how risky you consider each of the following behaviors. [Top 2 Box]

57

Using public Wi-Fi is not recognized to be as much of a risk as other ways of sharing information

Riskiness of Behavior/Actions(% Risky By Country)


Swimming in a crocodile-filled river 97% 96% 96% 92% 94% 97% 95% 97% 97%

Sharing your ATM PIN 96% 96% 95% 91% 95% 95% 96% 95% 96%

Clicking a link or downloading files in emails from unknown senders

95% 95% 93% 90% 92% 95% 95% 94% 91%

Driving without a seatbelt 91% 93% 93% 82% 91% 92% 91% 96% 92%

Eating spoiled food 94% 93% 86% 83% 88% 92% 91% 94% 92%

Sharing sensitive work documents 92% 91% 90% 84% 85% 91% 91% 92% 92%

Giving your home address to a stranger 94% 92% 90% 76% 87% 91% 92% 93% 94%

Cheating on your spouse/partner 94% 92% 93% 80% 81% 93% 79% 90% 88%

Not having a password on your phone 82% 83% 81% 77% 83% 85% 82% 84% 72%

Sexting 86% 82% 80% 73% 62% 85% 49% 89% 78%

Using public Wi-Fi 79% 72% 70% 63% 73% 76% 65% 79% 63%