The third annual TimBukOne Information Security Survey, which deals with how people apply safety and security in their day-to-day usage of computers, has launched.
Some of the observations from the 2007 survey included an improvement in password management; an increase in anti-virus, anti-spam and anti-Trojan software tools; an increase in Firefox users; and a dramatic drop in users giving out online details.
"Online shopping users went from 72% (2006) to 65% (2007) and there was an increase in respondents who use instant messaging, with half of all users now using it," says Jos Pols, TimBukOne founder and MD.
"I suspect we will continue to see a trend in users applying better security practices, more frequent operating system patching, improved anti-virus and so forth. I think there will, therefore, also be a reduction in incidents. I am very curious to see if the slight downtrend in online banking and shopping continues."
According to Pols, there has been an average of 1 000 respondents a year since the launch of this online survey. This year, however, he believes there will be more: "I'm hoping for 1 500 this time."
Of the 2007 respondents, 70% were in non-IT related jobs, 73% were white, 13% were black, and the remainder were Indian and Asian. "Last year, 56% of respondents were male, and 44% were female," Pols adds.
The 2008 survey covers 50 questions in eight categories, including password usage, defensive measures, general computer maintenance, incidents, using the Net, protecting data, using the computer, and demographics.
Participants can also win one of five Apple iPod Shuffles.
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