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HSBC survey indicates less than 10 per cent of Hong Kong respondents are Cyber Smart

Cyber security is more critical than ever with the increasing sophistication of scams.

HSBC surveyed 1,005 Hong Kongers between 18-55 years old in Feb 2020, where we developed a Cyber Security Index (ranging from 0-100) comprising three key pillars: knowledge, behavior and attitude.

Here’s some insightful findings:

High in Knowledge,
but not Behavior.

With an average score of 73 in cyber security knowledge, the behavior score was just 68.

66% of respondents use the same passwords on several platforms, which is very risky.

Digital Native ≠ Cyber Smart

Gen Z (Age 18-24) has the highest scores in knowledge and attitude, but lowest in behavior, indicating they’re not translating their knowledge into the right behavior.

The tendency for risky behaviors is also high among Gen Z. For example, they grant permission without checking T&C, sharing personal information in messenger/ cloud-based conversations, using public wifi to access online banking, and ignoring suspicious log-on alerts etc.

Have you done similar risky behavior?

Cyber Smart –
the top of the population

Only 8.5% of respondents are considered as “Cyber Smart”, scoring 80+ in all three pillars.

“While it’s encouraging to see that the general population is cyber aware, we’d love to see everyone become Cyber Smart.”Andrew EldonHead of Digital, Wealth and Personal Banking,
Hong Kong, HSBC

With HSBC, we can be your trusted partner in cyber security.

With a long history in Hong Kong, HSBC cares to protect our customers, particularly around cyber security.

HSBC users score higher than average in Cyber Security Index where 44% of respondents are aware of our cyber security educational information. According to the survey, HSBC is the most trusted bank in Hong Kong market.*

For more security tips, please visit HSBC Cyber Security Hub.

Virtual Banking?
Still a long way to go

Hong Kongers concern about data privacy. Half of the respondents are willing to connect their bank accounts to smart devices, yet only 7% are comfortable to link that to a third party app. Only 38% of respondents trust virtual banks and are willing to try. Virtual banking still has a long way to go.

4 TIPS TO BE CYBER SECURE

Here’s a simple guide to be “Cyber Smart”, brought to you by HSBC.

  1. Passwords security
    - Ensure you have a strong password.
    Use a combination of letters (upper & lower case), numbers and symbols. Do not contain personal information (like your name, age or dog’s name)
    - Change your password every 3 months.
    - Avoid using the same passwords across all platforms.
    - Utilize Two-Factor Authentication.
  1. Avoid providing your bank/ personal information to anyone suspicious.
  1. Avoid logging onto your online banking or social media with public wifi, as your data privacy is not secured.
  1. Keep your contact information updated in HSBC / PayMe, so that you can stay updated to alerts, especially during risky times for fraud/scams.
“Even the most secure banking service can be vulnerable
if customers are not aware of the need to protect their savings from cyber thieves”Greg HingstonHead of Wealth and Personal Banking, Asia Pacific and
Head of Wealth and Personal Banking, Hong Kong, HSBC

*Statistics from HSBC cyber security survey 2020

 

 

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