Almost 40 Percent of Computer Users Have Cursed at Their PC According to Just-Released Survey by Avira

Over 14,000 people respond to survey about cursing or being violent to a computer; 9 Percent Admit to Hitting their PC with Another Object like Fist or Bat

Tettnang, February 8, 2011 – IT security expert Avira found during a consumer security survey of its computer users in December that almost two out of every five people worldwide have cursed at their computers at some point in the past. Ironically, almost the same amount of people admitted to never yelling at their computer during moments of frustration. In addition, 11 percent of respondents wished for a catastrophic act to happen to their PC, while 9 percent actually have hit their computer with another object (baseball bat, fist, etc.) and just three percent have actually picked up a computer and smashed it into the ground or against another object in disgust.

The sample size of the consumer security survey was a record 14,284 with a margin of error of +/- .82 percent. The questions were posed to Avira’s 100+ million customers worldwide, giving the survey an international flavor. Here are the results to Avira’s December security survey:

39% - Cursed or yelled at the computer out loud?38% - No! I would never yell at my computer, it is too sensitive. (I friendly try to encourage it working again...)?11% - Thought Wished for catastrophe to strike the company that makes your operating system software or computer?9% - Hit your computer with another object (fist, baseball bat, etc.)?3% - Actually thrown the computer to the ground or against a desk or other piece of furniture?

“It is true that we tried to have some fun with this question of the month since it was December and traditionally many people are online shopping with some experiencing problems if a PC stops working or if they cannot access a website at the appropriate time,” said Elisabeth Rothbart, PR Manager, Avira. “I think the funny aspect to this question is that an equal number of people curse at their PC vs. being nice to them. There is probably some anger management factoid in the results some place, but we’ll worry about the PC side of things. I don’t recommend violence of any sort toward computers or anything else, but I can relate to the feelings of frustration.”

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Avira research shows computer users leave room for blackmail

Not having a backup makes users vulnerable to blackmail, but most of them are prepared for a loss of data.

Tettnang, 13 July 2010 – IT security expert Avira asked 2,917 participants of its May survey on www.free-av.com if they would have to pay a ransom in case of a loss or kidnapping of their data. The survey results bring to light that quite a few users aren’t very concerned and would easily fall victim to blackmail. However, most of the respondents did not have to worry about extortion because they regularly backed up their data.

Around 16 percent of the surfers (496) admitted they save photos, data and personal files on their PCs but do not create regular backups. If a data disaster or outbreak of a blackmail Trojan were to happen, all personal information, photos and addresses would be at risk. A ransom Trojan and a possible loss of files would catch them unprepared and cause them serious damage. Hence they confess they would be ready to pay a high amount to reclaim possession of the data. The survey also showed an alarming figure of 8 percent (233) that already fell victim to this type of data theft and had to pay a ransom.

Blackmail Trojans sneak just as easily onto PCs as any other malware. Avira strongly recommends that if you are attacked and blackmailed to pay for your data, you should not do it under any circumstances. Usually the victim is directed to a website where credit card information is collected. This site is used only to gather credit card data and to cause further financial damage to the victims by selling this data to third parties.

Furthermore, the victims should report the blackmail to the police and take general precautions, such as performing regular backups on an external hard drive and using a complete antivirus solution to detect and eliminate Trojans. Such a comprehensive solution is Avira Premium Security Suite, with the integrated Backup System.

Unlike those unprepared for data loss, a third of the respondents (968) take great care of their files. They act very prudent and save their data regularly. 25 percent (739) use their computers just for surfing and do not keep important files on them – an attempt to blackmail would not affect them at all. Furthermore, 18 percent (518) of the surfers said they could survive data loss since they don’t store personal data on their PCs.

The best insurance against data loss is an effective IT security solution combined with regular backups. Avira provides free basic protection with Avira AntiVir Personal – Free Antivirus. More extensive protection comes from Avira AntiVir Premium, which uses the WebGuard and MailGuard to filter out malware before it lands in the Web browser, which prevents it from reaching your computer. The license for one year costs $25.93.

The answer for all-round protection is Avira Premium Security Suite, as it supplements the features of Avira AntiVir Premium with a firewall to protect you against Internet attacks, a parental control feature, and a backup function. The solution is available for $51.93.

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