Karachi: A recent survey conducted by Kaspersky has revealed that 47% of global consumers believe that covering their digital device’s webcam ensures privacy, but this misconception leaves them vulnerable to digital threats.
The survey, which was carried out in partnership with Arlington Research in June 2024, involved 10,000 consumers from various regions and aimed to assess the public’s understanding of digital privacy, artificial intelligence, and common cybersecurity myths.
The findings show a significant lack of awareness regarding digital security measures. For example, while 47% of users think covering their webcam keeps their privacy intact, this only temporarily stops visual surveillance and does not address other security risks, such as microphone vulnerabilities or the risks posed when users manually activate their cameras.
Additionally, the survey found that 42% of users believe that using “Incognito Mode” in browsers fully secures their privacy, which is also inaccurate. This mode only prevents browsing history from being saved and does not guarantee complete anonymity.
The survey also highlighted the growing concern over voice assistants listening in on private conversations, with a third of users turning off their devices during important discussions. Kaspersky experts recommend using strong, unique passwords for all accounts, avoiding suspicious links, and installing security solutions to safeguard against a wide range of online threats.
