Most UAE residents recklessly share confidential details online
(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Once it''s online, it''s there forever - so if in doubt, keep it to yourself, says David Emm, principal security researcher from Kaspersky Lab.
People, it seems, are still recklessly sharing private information over the Internet in risky situations. Around 35 per cent of people in the UAE share confidential data by accident, and 18 per cent in the country willingly disclose secrets about themselves - despite the fact that information shared online can cost them a relationship or a job, a study by Kaspersky Lab has found.
"Many consumers still struggle to translate risk awareness into caution when it comes to online activity. With so many devices and online channels at our fingertips, it''s never been easier to post an unguarded message or accidentally share information with the wrong people. If you are not cyber savvy enough, and you don''t have the proper security and privacy safeguards in place, you could be left with shattered friendships and careers," notes Emm.
The study also found that many people greatly risk sharing personal data through online communication channels. Around 50 per cent in the UAE share photos of themselves, while 46 per cent share contact details, 39 per cent share a photo of another person, 36 per cent share sensitive personal details, and 29 per cent share work-related data online. Further, and potentially even more seriously, 18 per cent of UAE respondents have shared a secret about themselves, and nine per cent have shared sensitive financial details.
This is despite the fact that a lot of people are highly worried about the damaging impact of such information being made public - both in terms of financial loss and emotional distress. For instance, 45 per cent of respondents in the country were worried that it could damage relationships or embarrass or offend someone, and 16 per cent were afraid that it could harm their career.
This level of concern is often justified, as 35 per cent of respondents admitted that they have accidentally shared confidential data, and 13 per cent have suffered as a result. Of those that suffered, the consequences included losing friends, being bullied, suffering financial loss, the end of a relationship and being dismissed from their job.
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