Internet users are very concerned about cybersecurity, as the latest data of the Eurobarometer states. I.e., 89% of respondents avoid posting actual personal information online, and 74% of respondents agree with the statement that the risks of becoming a victim of cybercrime increased since 2011.

12% of internet users across all of Europe have already experienced online fraud; 8% became victims of identity theft. This is especially due to the fact that 53% of internet users from Europe have not changed a single one of their online passwords within the last year.

«The fact that more and more people use the internet and enjoy the benefits of electronic economy, it is no surprise that personal data security and online payment security is our main concern. What is surprising, is the fact that half of European users regularly carry out safety measures to protect themselves from cybercrime,»- says Cecilia Malmström, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs.

Eurobarometer survey, which covers almost 27 000 people across Europe, states that there is a clear link between being informed about risks of cybercrime and feeling safe on the Internet. Most people that feel safe, performing bank payments or purchases online, claim that they are well informed about cybercrime.

«We cannot allow cybercrime to interfere with our activities on the Internet. The more we know about the possible risks and how to protect ourselves, the more we can use the true potential of opportunities offered by digital life,»- says Cecilia Malmström.

Other important survey conclusions are as follows:

53% of Internet users claim that they purchased goods or services online;

52% use social network sites, when purchasing goods or services online;

52% use social network sites, 48% perform banking operations online, while 20% sell goods or services online;

29% are not sure about their ability to use the internet for such purposes as banking services online or purchases on the internet;

59% believe that they are not sufficiently informed about cybercrime risks;

40% are concerned that some perpetrator could acquire and use their personal information, and 38% are concerned about the security of online payments.

The commission aims to create a European Cybercrime Centre or EC3 to protect Europeans and companies from the growing threats of cybercrime.

The centre will try to find opportunities to protect social network profiles from e-criminals and offer information and assessments to state law enforcement institutions.

The EC3 will begin its work in January, 2013.

Ref: 103.109.109.2509