Study calls for greater awareness of cyber crime

Scots need to be more aware of cyber crime and data fraud, according to a study of online security.

The Barclays digital safety index was created based on the ability of 6,000 adults across the UK to protect data, devices and accounts as well as to spot digital threats.

Groups in Edinburgh and Glasgow took part in a digital safety test, described as similar to a hazard perception driving theory test, with questions about the steps they take to protect their devices from online threats.

On average, people from Edinburgh scored 6.25 from a maximum of 10 in the test, with Glasgow scoring 6.05, both below the UK average of 6.27.

The most common cyber crime Scots said they had encountered was bank account fraud.

Barclays is calling for the public, police and businesses to tackle the issue as it launched its own digital safety drive, which includes giving customers the choice to instantly turn on and off when their card can be used to make remote purchases and set their daily ATM withdrawal limits.

Jamie Grant, head of business and corporate banking at Barclays, said: The Barclays digital safety index identifies the UK's most vulnerable to cyber crime for the first time.

With Scotland lagging behind in the digital safety index and residents most commonly falling victim to bank account fraud, it's evident that more needs to be done to improve awareness of both cyber crime and cyber security in this area.

This is why we are encouraging everyone, even the most confident of digital users, to take our test and learn how they can stay safe in our digital age.''

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