In companies, younger people report their IT problems to the IT department less often than older people. This harbors dangers, as they fail to recognize a possible cyber attack and unintentionally become an attack helper.
Despite a lack of specialist knowledge, employees try to solve IT problems themselves. Almost six percent of those surveyed admitted to solving IT problems or incidents despite a lack of knowledge. This was the result of the current survey “Cybersecurity in Numbers” by G DATA in cooperation with Statista and brand eins. Another four percent of those surveyed ignore a problem with the computer in a business environment.
Even if it's annoying: inform the IT department
“If you are not sure how to deal with security problems, you should get competent help. Otherwise there is a real chance that the problem will be bigger afterwards than before, ”says Tim Berghoff, Security Evangelist at G DATA CyberDefense. “If there is any suspicion that a cyber attack has taken place, it is always better to contact either the IT department or the security service provider. Expert staff work there who can better assess the situation and work towards an effective solution. In such a case, lending a hand can do more harm than good. "
There is a clear difference in the handling of suspicious cases in companies between the generations. Only more than 27 percent of young people under 30 turn to the IT department. For older employees between 50 and 64 years of age, the figure is almost 46 percent. People under the age of 30 are significantly more tech-savvy and often solve a technical problem themselves.
Only one in four under 30 reports IT problems
"Cybersecurity in numbers" is characterized by a high information density and particular methodological depth: More than 5.000 employees in Germany were questioned in a representative online study on cybersecurity in the professional and private context. The experts from Statista carried out the survey and, thanks to a sample size that is well above the industry standard, can present reliable and valid market research results in the “Cybersecurity in Numbers” booklet.
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About G Data With comprehensive cyber defense services, the inventor of the anti-virus enables companies to defend themselves against cybercrime. Over 500 employees ensure the digital security of companies and users. Made in Germany: With over 30 years of expertise in malware analysis, G DATA conducts research and software development exclusively in Germany. The highest standards of data protection are paramount. In 2011, G DATA issued a “no backdoor” guarantee with the “IT Security Made in Germany” seal of trust from TeleTrust eV. G DATA offers a portfolio from anti-virus and endpoint protection to penetration tests and incident response to forensic analyzes, security status checks and cyber awareness training to defend companies effectively. New technologies such as DeepRay use artificial intelligence to protect against malware. Service and support are part of the G DATA campus in Bochum. G DATA solutions are available in 90 countries and have received numerous awards.