P109 - Understanding and Responding to Cybercrime in Austria: A Comprehensive Survey

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Abstract

In December 2023, a survey of 1,032 web-active Austrians aged 14+ revealed insights into cybercrime awareness and experiences. This representative study highlighted that 48.4% of participants rate their cybercrime knowledge as average, while a gender gap exists with 39.5% of men feeling informed versus 29.5% of women. Financial losses due to cybercrime affected 17.2% of respondents, with younger individuals (14-39) more likely to report losses than those over 60.

The study found that financial damages mostly ranged between 10 to 300 euros, with 15.8% experiencing losses over 1,000 euros, primarily due to online fraud and phishing. Notably, 49.7% reported the incident to the police, although doubts about the police's effectiveness in handling such cases were prevalent. Over half of the respondents doubted the Austrian police's capability to combat cybercrime effectively, reflecting a significant skepticism particularly among younger demographics.

Preventative measures taken by individuals include avoiding suspicious emails (72.5%), not sharing sensitive data online (63.6%), using antivirus software (55%), and maintaining up-to-date systems and complex passwords. Interestingly, women are more inclined to seek advice in uncertain situations, while men prioritize data backups for protection.

This survey underscores a moderate level of cybercrime awareness among Austrians, with a notable portion affected by financial losses. The public's divided stance on reporting to the police and skepticism towards law enforcement's cybercrime capabilities calls for enhanced awareness and resources. Preventative strategies focus on cautious digital communication and proactive security measures, suggesting a need for broader educational efforts on cyber safety practices.

Authors

• Patricia Jessner, Austrian Road Safety Board

• Patricia Jessner, Austrian Road Safety Board