A recent survey conducted by NordVPN reveals significant concerns among Americans regarding cybersecurity scams, with 91% expressing unease about potential threats. The study highlighted a shift in tactics by cybercriminals, who now primarily exploit human psychology through methods like phishing and scam calls, rather than just targeting devices directly.
Among the 1,200 respondents, 56% indicated greater worry about broader risks such as identity theft compared to frequent encounters with scam calls, which 46% reported experiencing daily. The 17% of participants who have faced identity theft and fraud demonstrates the pervasive nature of this issue.
NordVPN's Chief Technology Officer, Marijus Briedis, emphasized that the initial attack often occurs when individuals feel pressured to act quickly, leading to vulnerabilities. To combat these threats, the company suggests several precautionary measures, including verifying the legitimacy of communications and enabling multifactor authentication. Users are also advised to utilize features like iOS call screening and to remain cautious of urgent messages that may indicate a scam.