Most Americans know little about the risks of going online…

The BBC report didn’t add “using Microsoft software”, though it ought to, given that over 90 per cent of the world is in that position.

The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) has conducted a survey of Americans’ perceptions of computer security risks. Here’s a quote from the BBC account:

“The survey found that 30% of people believed they had more chance of getting struck by lightning, being audited by the tax man or winning the lottery than they did of falling victim to a computer security problem.

PC users aged under 25 were even more sure.

40% thought they would get hit by lightning, or suffer one of the other events, before being caught out by a computer security breach.

In fact, said the NCSA, people are far more likely to be struck by a hack attack than atmospheric discharge.

According to the US National Weather Service, Americans have a 0.0000102% chance of being hit by lightning.

By contrast the chances of falling victim to a computer virus, phishing attack, malicious hack attempt or other cyber security dangers are currently running at 70%, according to statistics gathered for the E-Crime Watch Survey.

“Cyber-security should become second nature, just like brushing our teeth,” said Ken Watson, chairman of the NCSA.”

I agree. Which is precisely why we created an online course on the subject for beginners.