Survey shows Brazilians’ concerns about data security in a digital world

RIO DE JANEIRO BRAZIL – A survey commissioned by Mastercard and conducted by the Datafolha Institute found that while 92% of Brazilians are aware that the companies they interact with keep some form of information about their consumption and leisure habits, they fear for the security of their data in the digital environment.

On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 representing very secure, 5.1 was the average score given to how secure respondents felt their data was online.

Social networking sites were considered the least trusted environments, while hospitals, medical screening clinics, schools, and colleges were most trusted by respondents.

The study, conducted between January 5 and 8 of this year and involving 1,517 people aged 16 and older, found that only 13% of respondents consider their data “very secure,” while for 21%, it is “not secure.

Nearly 70% of respondents are aware that the data they enter when accessing a social network, making purchases online, or engaging in financial transactions online is stored by these companies and can be used to target offers and services and monitor consumer habits.

The survey also found that fear of cyberattacks is high. 73% of citizens said they had already been victims of a digital threat, such as receiving fake messages from companies or having their passwords stolen.

For this reason, many respondents are taking additional security measures. More than 80% said they avoid clicking on suspicious links, while 75% avoid using public Wi-Fi networks, and 64% have different passwords for each account or application.

“The use of digital services has been boosted by the new coronavirus pandemic. At the same time, scams and cyber attacks against people and businesses have also increased. Therefore, digital security has become even more relevant for consumers and businesses and will be a critical aspect for the future,” Estanislau Bassols, general manager at Mastercard, said in a statement.

Source: Valor

This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error

LatAm Markets: Live Signals → — real-time movers, turnover leaders and FX across Latin America.