The latest results of the DsiN Security Index 2024 are worrying: with a historic low of 55.7 points, consumers in Germany feel more insecure online than ever before. This insecurity is mainly due to a significant increase in phishing and similar cyberattacks. One in eight people report fraud or misinformation through manipulated images on the internet in recent months. Over 60 percent of consumers have only low or medium confidence in their online security and a third would like more information on how to deal with artificial intelligence.
Private individuals are also increasingly being targeted by cyberattacks. At 66.3 points, cautious users achieve significantly better security scores than those who have little confidence in their own abilities (44.2 points). Over 80% of consumers recognize that they can contribute to their own security through their online behavior. DsiN promotes this awareness through programs such as the "Digitaler Engel" (digital angel) and digital learning tandems, which support older people and people with disabilities in particular.
The Security Index 2024 also shows that even advanced internet users still need targeted services to keep up with new digital risks. Almost 70% of internet users call for more educational offers on digital topics, especially through personal contacts and easily accessible information online.
Strengthening digital participation and cyber security should therefore be an important goal of consumer protection.
Source: Deutschland sicher im Netz (DsiN), Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community.