Security Magazine logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Security Magazine logo
  • NEWS
    • Security Newswire
    • Technologies & Solutions
  • MANAGEMENT
    • Leadership Management
    • Enterprise Services
    • Security Education & Training
    • Logical Security
    • Security & Business Resilience
    • Profiles in Excellence
  • PHYSICAL
    • Access Management
    • Fire & Life Safety
    • Identity Management
    • Physical Security
    • Video Surveillance
    • Case Studies (Physical)
  • CYBER
    • Cybersecurity News
    • More
  • BLOG
  • COLUMNS
    • Career Intelligence
    • Cyber Tactics
    • Cybersecurity Education & Training
    • Leadership & Management
    • Security Talk
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Annual Guarding Report
    • Most Influential People in Security
    • The Security Benchmark Report
    • Top Guard and Security Officer Companies
    • Top Cybersecurity Leaders
    • Women in Security
  • SECTORS
    • Arenas / Stadiums / Leagues / Entertainment
    • Banking/Finance/Insurance
    • Construction, Real Estate, Property Management
    • Education: K-12
    • Education: University
    • Government: Federal, State and Local
    • Hospitality & Casinos
    • Hospitals & Medical Centers
    • Infrastructure:Electric,Gas & Water
    • Ports: Sea, Land, & Air
    • Retail/Restaurants/Convenience
    • Transportation/Logistics/Supply Chain/Distribution/ Warehousing
  • EVENTS
    • Industry Events
    • Webinars
    • Solutions by Sector
    • Security 500 Conference
  • MEDIA
    • Interactive Spotlight
    • Photo Galleries
    • Podcasts
    • Polls
    • Videos
      • Cybersecurity & Geopolitical Discussion
      • Ask Me Anything (AMA) Series
  • MORE
    • Call for Entries
    • Classifieds & Job Listings
    • Newsletter
    • Sponsor Insights
    • Store
    • White Papers
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • This Month's Content
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!
Security NewswireCybersecurity News

Would You Flunk a Cybersecurity Test?

September 1, 2015

When asked seven questions related to cybersecurity during an AARP survey, 45 percent of respondents (aged 18 and older) failed the quiz, answering just four or fewer questions correctly.

Some of the important information Americans are lacking revolves around free Wi-Fi use, password best practices and account monitoring.

Sixty-one percent of American adult Internet users surveyed do not have online access to all of their bank accounts, and 71 percent say they do not have online access to their credit card accounts. Half of users who set up online access to their banking accounts haven’t changed their passwords in the past three months, and 10 percent have never changing their online banking password.

Among those who access the Internet with a smartphone, just one in four say they do not have a passcode on that phone. Almost a third of users ages 50 and older do not have a passcode on their phone.

Twenty-seven percent of survey-takers say their used free public Wi-Fi to do their banking or purchase a product with a credit card in the last three months. While 24 percent of Americans who access the Internet say free public Wi-Fi is not at all safe, 37 percent indicate using it at least once a month, with 25 percent using it at least once a week.

Online activities are not the only ways users can lose control of their digital identities, however. The report shows that 61 percent of respondents say that, in the last three months, they have left a purse or wallet, checkbook, personal mail, cellphone, GPS unit or laptop on their cars, putting them at risk for both physical and identity theft.  

KEYWORDS: cyber security awareness security education

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • Cyber tech background

    Security’s Top Cybersecurity Leaders 2026

    Security magazine’s Top Cybersecurity Leaders 2026 award...
    Security Leadership and Management
  • Iintegration and use of emerging tools

    Future Proof Your Security Career with AI Skills

    AI’s evolution demands security leaders master...
    Career Intelligence
    By: Jerry J. Brennan and Joanne R. Pollock
  • The 2025 Security Benchmark Report

    The 2025 Security Benchmark Report

    The 2025 Security Benchmark Report surveys enterprise...
    The Security Benchmark Report
    By: Rachelle Blair-Frasier
Manage My Account
  • Security Newsletter
  • eMagazine Subscriptions
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Online Registration
  • Mobile App
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Popular Stories

Opened padlock on computer keyboard

10 Data Breaches to Know About (April 2026)

Laptop with desktop screen showing

Research: Microsoft Edge Loads Stored Passwords in Cleartext

Person in red hoodie

When Metal Theft Becomes a Life Safety Crisis

Diverse Team Collaborating on Business Analysis

12 Tips for Building an Effective Security Budget

Stacked books

Safe Learning 101 Program Supports Schools in Strengthening Campus Security

SEC 2026 Benchmark Banner

Events

May 21, 2026

From Referral to Response: Managing Domestic Violence Threats in the Workplace

Domestic violence remains a complex driver of workplace violence, creating high-risk scenarios that require coordination across departments without clear ownership. Learn how threat management teams can manage domestic violence referrals from the start.

June 3, 2026

The Role of AI and Video in Measuring Health, Safety, and Security Standards

OSHA fines grab headlines, but most compliance issues start with everyday operational gaps: missed protocols, unsecured areas, or slow response. Learn how emerging technologies & AI can be leveraged towards a more proactive model of compliance.

View All Submit An Event

Products

Security Culture: A How-to Guide for Improving Security Culture and Dealing with People Risk in Your Organisation

Security Culture: A How-to Guide for Improving Security Culture and Dealing with People Risk in Your Organisation

See More Products
Solutions by Sector webinar promo


The Role of AI and Video - Free Webinar - June 3, 2026

Related Articles

  • Would You Pass the Cyber Test?

    See More
  • Cybersecurity Leadership Images

    Government and Bank Websites Flunk New Security and Privacy Test

    See More
  • Would You Pay a Cyber-Extortionist?

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • CPTED.jpg

    CPTED and Traditional Security Countermeasures: 150 Things You Should Know

  • 150 things.jpg

    Physical Security: 150 Things You Should Know 2nd Edition

  • security culture.webp

    Security Culture: A How-to Guide for Improving Security Culture and Dealing with People Risk in Your Organisation

See More Products
×

Sign-up to receive top management & result-driven techniques in the industry.

Join over 20,000+ industry leaders who receive our premium content.

SIGN UP TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • Newsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2026. All Rights Reserved BNP Media, Inc. and BNP Media II, LLC.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing