In a survey conducted with Harris Interactive to coincide with Cybermois, the French Banking Federation looked at how the French behave when it comes to cybersecurity issues, and their perceptions of the risks involved. The results show that the majority are cautious.
The French protect their banking data
On the whole, the French are aware that their banking data is sensitive, and share it with caution.
A survey by the French Banking Federation (FBF) reveals that 89% of them consider their data to be sensitive. The older they are, the greater this awareness: 95% of those aged 65 and over consider their banking data to be sensitive, compared with 73% of 18-24 year-olds.
For the most part, they are quite wary of sharing personal information, and even more so when this information has to be communicated remotely, whether online or by telephone. In fact, 88% of them are reluctant to share such information remotely, compared with 65% face-to-face.
The study also shows that the French are aware of cyber-risks, which are a source of concern for them. Eighty-eight percent fear that their identity could be stolen by hacking into their personal data, 86% fear an attack on their banking data, and 83% are concerned about possible online scams.
French cautious about scam attempts
The FBF survey reveals that, on the whole, the French are cautious in the face of attempted scams. First of all, 67% of them have the reflex to contact their bank directly when they receive a solicitation deemed " dubious ".
When they receive an e-mail offering them " a profitable, risk-free investment ", 78% do not act on it. Nor do 66% of French people follow up on invitations from their bank to click on a link in an e-mail or text message, and 63% refrain from clicking on " dubious " advertisements on social networks.
On the other hand, while the French are cautious on the whole, their behavior is very mixed when they receive " an attractive offer, a refund or an alert about a bank transaction " by SMS or e-mail. 49% open or forward the message, while 1 in 2 do not.
Here again, age seems to play a role in their behavior: only 28% of French people aged 65 and over open or forward this type of message, compared with 73% of 18-24 year-olds.
The survey also highlights the high frequency of these attempted scams. More than 1 in 2 French people have already experienced an attempt to retrieve their banking data. Of these, only 7% have been tricked.
How do the French protect themselves against cyber risks?
Faced with these risks of fraud or piracy, the French protect themselves more or less effectively. 41% of them do not, or rarely, have the reflex to take note of guarantees and conditions when making an online purchase.
27% save their bank details on e-commerce sites to simplify purchases, without considering the risks involved. And while almost 1 in 2 French people memorize the password associated with their online banking account, 51% take the risk of writing it down or recording it on a medium.
However, many French people protect themselves effectively against cyber risks: 76% have the reflex to check that the sites they visit are secure, and 74% take the time to consult the security messages sent to them by their bank.
As for the password they use to access their online banking account, 84% say it is "exclusive and specific ", and 61% say they change it regularly.
To mark #cybersecurity month, here's a reminder of the best ways to stay safe online.
- FBF (@FBFFrance) October 5, 2022
Your security starts with your vigilance. More information ➡ https://t.co/85RibiuBPF