Think your online accounts are better protected than most people's? You probably need a reality check.
According to a new Google survey, most people are confident about their ability to protect their online accounts, yet many fail to take basic online security precautions such as regularly installing updates and using unique passwords.
Of the 3,000 US residents aged 16 and older surveyed by Google and Harris Poll in December 2018, 59 percent said they believe their accounts are safer from online threats than the average person's. At the same time, 65 percent of respondents said they reuse the same password for multiple accounts, with 51 percent saying they have a favorite password they use most of the time.
And while many find it difficult to keep track of all their passwords (60 percent said they have too many to remember), just 24 percent reported using a password manager.
The survey also revealed some generational differences with respect to online security. Google found that 16- to 24-year-olds are more likely than average to use two-factor authentication (2FA) and regularly update their desktop, mobile, and Web applications. However, that same group is less likely to know what "phishing" means or to have changed the password of their most-used account within the past year.
Meanwhile, those who are 50 and older are more likely than average to use a different password for every account. They also understand the importance of updating their security software, but they're less likely to link recovery information such as a phone number to their account or to use a password manager.
To protect your accounts and data, Google recommends you set up a recovery phone number or email on your accounts, use unique passwords, and consider getting a password manager. Oh, and don't forget to regularly update your applications and set up 2FA. Google also offers a Security Checkup tool, which offers personalized recommendations to help you strengthen your account security.
For more on the survey, check out the infographic below.
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