They say confidence is key—but online, it might just be the lock scammers are picking. According to F-Secure’s latest Digital Perception-Reality Gap Report, the places we feel safest online are often the ones that put us most at risk. Talk about irony—like locking your front door while leaving the windows wide open.
The report uncovers a dangerous disconnect: while nearly 7 in 10 people believe they can spot scams, almost half fell victim in the past year. Even more surprising, young “digital natives” are twice as likely to experience cybercrime compared to older users, thanks to high exposure and misplaced confidence. Meanwhile, everyday digital habits—like shopping, banking, or streaming—often carry the biggest unseen risks.
Here’s the breakdown: consumers are more worried about dramatic or unfamiliar activities than the quiet, routine ones where criminals thrive. This gap between perception and reality doesn’t just leave people vulnerable—it influences their choices, making them cautious in the wrong places while ignoring the real dangers.
So who’s being targeted?
Everyone, but especially younger adults who spend the most time online. Last year, 64% of them reported cybercrime incidents, compared to just 28% of older users. The result? Billions in financial losses, stolen identities, and a growing distrust in the digital world. As F-Secure’s Fredrik Torstensson explains, “Security and digital safety are no longer nice-to-haves—they’re loyalty drivers and key points of differentiation for service providers.”
Why should you care?
Because nearly half of internet users globally have already been hit, and that number is rising fast—up from 34% in 2023 to 48% in 2024. The emotional toll is just as real: 7 in 10 people admit they don’t know who to trust online anymore. When consumer trust erodes, it affects everything—from your banking habits to how freely you shop, connect, or share online.
Here’s how to protect yourself:
- Don’t rely on confidence alone—stay updated on the latest scams.
- Add multi-layer protection tools, like identity monitoring and scam-blocking features.
- Choose service providers (banks, telcos, etc.) that embed security directly into their platforms.
- Stay skeptical of “routine” online activities—these are prime scam entry points.
- If in doubt, pause, verify, and double-check before sharing information or making payments.
Quick Tip: Did you know? F-Secure’s systems block up to 1 million banking transactions from fraud every single day.
Pro Tip: Don’t just buy a standalone security app—look for providers who offer embedded security in the services you already use. It’s protection where you need it most.
Stay safe, stay informed, and remember: in the digital world, confidence should come from protection, not guesswork.
Keyword Definitions:
- Digital Perception-Reality Gap: The disconnect between what people think is safe online versus where the real dangers are.
- Cybercrime: Criminal activities carried out online, such as hacking, identity theft, or financial fraud.
- Embedded Security: Security features built directly into services like banking or telecom apps, offering protection in real time.
- Identity Monitoring: A tool that alerts you if your personal data (like email or credit card info) shows up in breaches.
- Phishing: A scam where attackers trick people into giving sensitive information by pretending to be trustworthy sources.
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