In 2019 approximately 1 in 3 EU citizens aged 16 to 74 reported security-related incidents when using the internet for private purposes, according to data published today by Eurostat, on the occasion of Safer Internet Day (11 February). In Cyprus, the rate was 21%.
During this period, phishing was the most frequent security incident reported in 2019.
“During this period, phishing was the most frequent security incident reported in 2019.”
25% of people in the EU reported that they received fraudulent messages, known as phishing. Redirection to fake websites asking for personal information (pharming) was the second most frequent security incident reported (12% of people).
“Redirection to fake websites asking for personal information (pharming) was the second most frequent security incident reported (12% of people).”
The share of people who experienced security-related problems when using the internet for private purposes varied across the EU Member States.
The highest rates were observed in Denmark (50%), followed by France (46%), Sweden (45%), Malta and the Netherlands (both 42%), Finland (41%) and Germany (40%).
In contrast, the lowest shares were recorded in Lithuania (7%), Poland (9%), Latvia (10%), Bulgaria (13%) and Greece (13%).
What is phishing exactly?
Phishing is defined as “the fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details by disguising oneself as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Typically carried out by email spoofing or instant messaging, it often directs users to enter personal information at a fake website that matches the look and feel of the legitimate site.”
