"Why We Adopt Then Abandon Online Safety Practices"

Researchers from the University of Michigan and NortonLifeLock's Research Group did a study on why people adopt and then sometimes fail to continue following online safety practices. The researchers conducted a survey to which more than 900 people responded. Participants were asked about their use of 30 online safety practices often recommended by cybersecurity and privacy experts. The study found that most of the respondents adopted security practices such as avoiding clicking on suspicious links than privacy practices like using ad blockers. According to researchers, people are more likely to adopt security practices because the potential impact of security risks and threats are easier to visualize. Survey responses revealed that most of the participants did not follow recommendations for using strong passwords or identity monitoring services. Most of the respondents also abandoned practices such as using automated updates for software, antivirus software, and virtual private networks (VPNs). Respondents often abandoned a security practice because they think it is no longer needed, the risk did not exist anymore, or the practice impedes usability. The survey also highlighted differences in adoption rates based on gender, age, income, and education. This article continues to discuss key findings from the study on the adoption and abandonment of online safety practices. 

The University of Michigan reports "Why We Adopt Then Abandon Online Safety Practices"