Vercara’s recent survey unveils a harsh reality for businesses, indicating that an overwhelming 75% of consumers are willing to sever ties with brands that experience cybersecurity issues, particularly data breaches. The study underscores the critical role of consumer trust in the digital realm, emphasizing the challenges brands face in rebuilding trust post-cyberattack. Notably, 66% of US consumers express reluctance to trust companies that fall victim to data breaches, attributing cyber incidents to a perceived lack of security measures.
Interestingly, the survey delves into consumer perceptions, revealing that 54% extend leniency towards smaller brands grappling with cyberattacks, whereas larger businesses face heightened expectations. Despite this, the results also highlight consumer unawareness regarding their own role in maintaining cybersecurity hygiene. Shockingly, 55% of respondents admit to using their corporate devices for online shopping, unknowingly posing risks to business infrastructure. Additionally, 35% believe impersonating large e-commerce brands is challenging, highlighting a gap in consumer awareness.
Colin Doherty, CEO at Vercara, emphasizes the importance of businesses maximizing their cybersecurity measures. In a landscape where social engineering often initiates cyberattacks, Doherty advocates for businesses to prioritize regular awareness and training sessions for all employees. With 800,000 cyberattacks hitting businesses in 2023, including 60,000 DDoS attacks and 4,000 falling victim to ransomware, the survey underscores the urgency for comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to combat the evolving threat landscape.
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