5 years of shifting cybersecurity behavior
5 years of shifting cybersecurity behavior
Publish Date: 2026-03-03 00:30:00
Source Domain: www.helpnetsecurity.com
Online security is built through routine decisions made across devices and accounts. People choose how to create passwords, how often to reuse them, and how much effort to invest in protecting personal data. The National Cybersecurity Alliance and CybSafe’s Oh, Behave! The Cybersecurity Attitudes and Behaviors Report: 2021–2025 follows those patterns over five years, drawing on responses from more than 24,000 adults and documenting how attitudes and behaviors shift over time.
“Five years of data tell a very different story than a single year ever could,” said Lisa Plaggemier, Executive Director of the National Cybersecurity Alliance. “People understand cybersecurity risks better than they did five years ago, but the behaviors that actually reduce risk are becoming harder to sustain. As an industry, we need to do a better job connecting the risks people hear about to the specific actions that protect them. This research helps us see where that disconnect exists and how we can better support secure habits in real life.”
‘Overall, how many online accounts do you own that hold personalinformation?’ (Source: National Cybersecurity Alliance and CybSafe)
Rising belief in personal control and shared responsibility
Belief in the value of personal cybersecurity has increased over time. A larger majority agree that staying secure online is worth the effort. More respondents describe security as achievable, and more say it is under their control. These measures reflect a population that views digital protection as part of everyday responsibility.
Expectations of technology providers have also grown. A rising share of respondents say apps and platforms should help protect user information. Responsibility is seen as shared between individuals and service providers, reflecting participation in digital systems where data moves between services and devices.
Reports of confusion and overwhelm have increased during the same period. Perceived cost…
