4. Personal safety precautions when using the Internet

Internet users try to protect themselves from the dangers and risks associated with the Internet in a variety of different ways. In light of widespread concerns by users that their own computers could become infected with viruses, the vast majority use anti-virus programs and quite naturally adopt a cautious approach to e-mails and suspicious websites. 86 % of all users and 93 % of those who use the Internet several times per day state that they have installed a special anti-virus program on their computer. 82 % do not open any e-mail attachments from unknown senders, and around three quarters do not open websites that seem suspicious. However, while 64 % try to make their passwords as secure as possible, only 31 % change their passwords on a regular basis. Around one in two people report that they pay attention to the source when downloading files or regularly update their computer’s operating system with a view to patching any security gaps. This figure is almost 60 % among intensive users. However, few people encrypt their personal data where possible, and even fewer people keep themselves continually informed about current dangers on the Internet.

Safety precautions when using the Internet

Safety precautions when using the Internet

In view of the associated risks, many people also deliberately avoid certain functions of the Internet, including 56 % of users who avoid taking part in online computer games. Almost 50 % of people avoid saving personal files such as photos or documents online and avoid sending confidential information via e-mail. 43 % of users avoid using payment methods that require them to enter their credit card numbers or bank details, and for reasons of safety a similar number of users deliberately avoid downloading music or films, joining social networks or making purchases from less well-known shops. 37 % have doubts about the safety of online banking and therefore do not conduct their banking transactions online. A quarter of users avoid as a matter of principle all activities for which they have to disclose their real name.

Avoidance of Internet functions due to safety concerns

Avoidance of Internet functions due to safety concerns

Younger Internet users avoid certain online functions less frequently than older users; 37 % of younger users, but 64 % of older users, avoid sending confidential information by e-mail. There is also a clear age-related correlation in terms of self-imposed restrictions when it comes to saving personal files. 22 % of under-30s avoid downloading music or films for safety reasons, although only 16 % of this age group deliberately avoid joining social networks for the same reason. In contrast, this figure is 60 % among users aged 60 and over.

Age-related avoidance of individual activities

Age-related avoidance of individual activities

Internet users tend not to stick to their beaten tracks. Younger users are more frequently willing to open unknown websites than older users. One in five users under 30 frequently use new websites, while this figure drops to 9 % for 45-59-year-olds and to 5 % among users aged 60 and over. Conversely, 74 % of users aged 60 and over report that they tend only to use sites with which they are familiar, with this figure dropping to 60 % for the mid age range and 48 % among younger users.

Use of new websites

Use of new websites