Google is starting a countrywide roadshow to inform the public on how to be safer and more secure online. The company is visiting five cities and 30 schools over the next few months. The Leeds event is on August 7 at The Digital Garage from Google, Unit 10, Leeds Dock beside the River Aire in the city centre.
Google search insights have found that internet users in London, Leeds, Birmingham and Manchester are the most frequent searchers of security related questions. A survey of 2,000 people across the cities found over a quarter (27pc) of those surveyed have had online services they use, such as an email account or online bank account, hacked or targeted by hackers in the last two years. The survey also found:
· Over a third of people, 35pc, said they were afraid their personal information, such as password(s), bank details, or emails, could be taken by hackers and used without their permission or to pretend to be them
· Almost a quarter, 24pc, do not have any kind of security, such as a four-digit code, pattern lock, or fingerprint scan, to secure their smartphone, despite an increasing amount of important personal information being stored on mobile devices
· One in ten people reported their personal information has been used online without their permission
· One in five, 22pc, either have or are unsure if they have given information to a website that seemed genuine but was not (such as imitation banking sites or phishing sites that looked very similar to the original)
Google also released new search insights that highlight some of the most pressing questions and concerns the public in Britain has over their personal information, and the increasing frequency people are taking to Google to search security related questions.
Top searches around online security in the UK:
1. How secure is my password?
2. How do I change my gmail password?
3. How to find my phone
4. What is e safety?
5. How do I stay safe online
6. What is two-step verification?
7. How does find my phone work?
8. What is the best internet security?
9. How do I enable two-step verification?
10. How do I stay safe from online fraud?
Searches for some security questions have increased dramatically, according to Google data. The largest increases over the last few years have been:
· “Email been hacked” – up by over 5,000pc
· “Phished account” – up by over 5,000pc
· “Website scam check” – up by over 700pc
· “Change my password” – up by over 300pc
· “Identity theft protection” – up by over 250pc; and
· “Find my phone”, “Find my lost phone” and “lost my phone” – all up by over 5,000pc.
Laurian Clemence from Google UK, said: “This is the first time we’ve ever done anything like this, knowing so many Brits are searching for information on how to keep their online data secure. Our workshops will cover best practices directly from Google’s privacy and security experts on how they can safeguard their passwords, update their account settings, find a stolen device, and check where they are sharing their data in just two minutes, from one place. Anyone can sign up, starting today.”
Raj Samani, CTO EMEA at Intel Security, said: “With a marked increase in phishing, identity theft and consumer data breaches, it is now more important than ever for people to understand how to best protect themselves and their sensitive data. Just this year Intel Security discovered that 57pc of UK consumers do not believe it is their responsibility to protect their own devices, showing that work needs to be done to educate. Simple measures such as understanding what makes a secure password and how to recognise phishing emails can empower consumers of all ages to use technology safely. With accurate education, preparation and implementation of security measures, we will hopefully see a drop in successful attacks in the future. It’s great to see companies such as Google spearheading specific community events to further engage and educate consumers on the keys to keeping themselves safe online.”
The company will start its summer roadshow in Leeds on 7 August, followed by Birmingham, Boston, London and Manchester, while also starting to visit primary schools across the country starting in September. Those who sign up will be able to book a one-to-one private consultation with a Google Security Ambassador.
