"We Believe We're Less Likely Than Others Are to Fall for Online Scams"

A new cybersecurity study by researchers at New York University shows that when people assess their exposure to risk, they believe they are less likely than others to engage in activities that would increase their vulnerability to online attacks. Researchers say this perception creates a false sense of security, thus making people more susceptible to online attacks. According to researchers, this perception derives from differences in how people use base rate information or data on the number of people who have fallen for online scams. Such information is often overlooked, which makes it difficult for people to assess their behavior when it comes to risk. However, when base rate information is considered, it is applied to make judgments about others' actions. The results of this study emphasize the importance of ensuring that people are well-informed about the risk posed by not following cybersecurity best practices. It is especially important to raise awareness about cyber risk among those who are now working from home during the COVID-19 crisis as remote work has created more cyber vulnerabilities. This article continues to discuss key findings from the study aimed at capturing how people perceive their vulnerability to online attacks in relation to others'. 

Science Daily Reports "We Believe We're Less Likely Than Others Are to Fall for Online Scams"