Press Center

Tokyo, 3 May 2016 – ESET®, a global pioneer in proactive protection for more than two decades, today released the ESET Japan Cyber-Savviness Report 2016 showing that while users in Japan are knowledgeable about cybersecurity and take few risks online, they still have some way to go in ensuring that they are adequately protected when they access the Internet. 

Interestingly, the findings show that while more than 70 percent of the respondents did not receive any formal education about cybersecurity, at least 4 out of 5 respondents were able to correctly answer basic cybersecurity questions. This level of knowledge, the highest of any Asia-Pacific market, was consistent between the different age groups surveyed.

The survey polled 1,033 respondents in Japan to gain insights into attitudes, knowledge and user behavior there when it comes to cybersecurity.

Compared with the results of the ESET Asia Cyber-Savviness Report 2015 and the ESET Vietnam Cyber-Savviness Report 2015 (covering seven other Asia-Pacific markets), Japan had the highest cyber-savviness score ahead of Malaysia, Singapore, India, Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Vietnam, in that order. Cyber-savviness is based on factors such as users’ knowledge or ability to understand activities that are likely to make them vulnerable online, risky behaviors while surfing the web, and the proactive steps they can take to protect themselves online. 

However, the Japan survey results point to a significant gap between user awareness and implementation of security measures. For example, while as many as 96 percent of respondents were aware of the security threat posed by using the same password for different accounts, only 1 in 5 people actually set separate passwords for their individual online accounts.

“In Asia-Pacific, Japan has always taken the lead in technology adoption and innovation. The country relies on data, online communications and information technology to drive innovation and efficiency, resulting in increased exposure to cybersecurity risks,”said Parvinder Walia, Sales and Marketing Director, ESET Asia-Pacific.

“The ESET Japan Cyber-Savviness Report 2016 highlights that even with all the technological advancements in Japan, there are still holes within the country’s cybersecurity fabric that need to be filled. To help users in Japan feel confident as they make use of various technologies, there is an urgent need to ensure that users take concrete preventive steps while continuing to strengthen cybersecurity awareness across the country.”

Survey results also showed that overall, users in Japan do not engage in risky cyber behavior. Most respondents (86%) know to immediately disconnect a breached device from the Internet and 71 percent do not open or download attachments from unknown senders.

However, more than half of the people surveyed said they are worried about potential cybersecurity threats. Anxiety about cybersecurity increases with age, and corresponds with the perception that online scams and hackings of social media accounts are “very common”, despite the fact that only eight percent of respondents have ever experienced a cyber-attack.

Mr. Walia added, “All it takes to fend off cyber criminals is the consistent use of simple preventive measures. It’s a shame that so many people are not actively using their knowledge of cybersecurity when little things like maintaining proper passwords could help alleviate their anxieties and enable them to use the Internet safely and with confidence.”

To download the ESET Japan Cyber-Savviness Report 2016, please visit: click here.

To download the ESET Vietnam Cyber-Savviness Report 2015, please click here.

To download the ESET Asia Cyber-Savviness Report 2015, please click here.

 

---

  

About ESET
ESET®, the pioneer of proactive protection and the maker of the award-winning ESET NOD32® technology, is a global provider of security solutions for businesses and consumers. For over 26 years, the Company continues to lead the industry in proactive threat detection. By obtaining the 80th VB100 award in June 2013, ESET NOD32 technology holds the record number of Virus Bulletin "VB100” Awards, and has never missed a single “In-the-Wild” worm or virus since the inception of testing in 1998. In addition, ESET NOD32 technology holds the longest consecutive string of the VB100 awards of any AV vendor. ESET has also received a number of accolades from AV-Comparatives, AV-TEST and other testing organisations and reviews. ESET NOD32® Antivirus, ESET Smart Security®, ESET Cyber Security® (solution for Mac), ESET® Mobile Security and IT Security for Business are trusted by millions of global users and are among the most recommended security solutions in the world.

ESET recently updated its two-factor authentication (2FA) application, adding a secure validation to weak and static user passwords. This updated version of ESET’s 2FA application provides flexibility and deeper integration of 2FA into bespoke applications, making it the best cost-effective solutions for SMBs everywhere.

The Company has global headquarters in Bratislava (Slovakia), with regional distribution centers in San Diego (U.S.), Buenos Aires (Argentina), and Singapore; with offices in Jena (Germany), Prague (Czech Republic) and Sao Paulo (Brazil). ESET has malware research centers in Bratislava, San Diego, Buenos Aires, Singapore, Prague, Košice (Slovakia), Krakow (Poland), Montreal (Canada), Moscow (Russia) and an extensive partner network for more than 180 countries. For more information visit https://eset.version-2.sg/ or follow us on Facebook.

 

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Limited is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the Company develops and distributes IT products for Internet and IP-based networks, including communication systems, Internet software, security, network, and media products. Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 Limited offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which includes Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

Version 2 Limited.
For more information, please visit www.version-2.com.sg or call (65) 6296-4268.