New Study Shows Need for Americans to Focus on Securing Online Accounts and Backing Up Critical Data

New Study Shows Need for Americans to Focus on Securing Online Accounts and
Backing Up Critical Data
Study Conducted as Part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month Finds
Americans Taking Ownership for Their Online Security, But Today's Threats
Require Improvements in Online Behaviors

WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Americans today are getting the
message that Internet safety and security is critical to their daily lives but
many still need to employ safer cyber hygiene, according to the 2009 National
Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA)-Symantec Online Safety Study, released by the
NCSA and Symantec (Nasdaq: SYMC), makers of Norton security software.

The study results show that 85 percent of Americans feel they are most
responsible for keeping their computers secure, and 40 percent feel that
individual computer users are most responsible for keeping the entire Internet
secure. Yet, some of their online behaviors limit their ability to protect
their valuable information and data.

Only 27 percent of Americans make an electronic backup of their critical files
on a weekly basis. More than 55 percent backup their files less often than
once a month. Couple those findings with the fact that the use of computers to
store personal data such as photos (76 percent), music (60 percent), banking
information (39 percent) and tax returns (30 percent) continues to steadily
rise, computer users face potential significant losses of valuable
information.

Passwords are also a critical component of cybersecurity. Passwords are how
computer users securely access online services and personal information.
However, the study found that less than 25 percent of those polled change
passwords quarterly and more than 50 percent of Americans never change them.
In addition, 40 percent of those surveyed don't use different passwords for
their various online accounts.

Computer users have a high level of control over the passwords they use. The
NCSA recommends the use of long, complex passwords that incorporate upper and
lower case letters, numbers and symbols. In addition, to prevent hackers from
accessing multiple accounts, computer users should have different passwords
for every account and change passwords at least once every 90 days.

"The fact that 85 percent of Americans believe they are most responsible for
their own online security is a significant sign that awareness efforts are
paying off and each one of us understands the important role we play in
securing the Internet," said NCSA Executive Director Michael Kaiser. "However,
cybersecurity requires vigilance, maintenance and contingency planning every
day of the year. Complex passwords and backing up are critical. Americans
are doing better; they need to do better still and integrate cybersecurity
into their lives until it's second nature."

The survey results also demonstrate that while Americans are taking ownership
for their online security, there is still much need for ongoing education and
awareness efforts. Only 19 percent are very confident they can determine if a
Web site is safe and just 40 percent have had any type of cybersecurity or
cyber safety training. Yet, computer users realize there are numerous threats
out there as only 7 percent believe that the Internet is safer this year than
last.

"While everyone should use an internet security suite, education is critical
for staying safe online. This means developing good habits while you enjoy the
Internet and staying aware of today's threats," said Janice Chaffin, group
president, Consumer Business Unit, Symantec. "National Cyber Security
Awareness Month is an important opportunity to educate the public about
digital dangers. With the average identity going for $10 on the cyber black
market, we strongly suggest that consumers use the Norton Online Risk
Calculator to assess their worth to a cybercriminal and read our Cybercrime
Exposed booklet, both of which are available for free at our Every Click
Matters website."

"Computer users need to be kept current on protective measures and ways to
reduce their risk," Kaiser said. "The Internet holds great promise to help us
create a global community where we can share experiences and ideas and conduct
commerce. However, that possibility is not unlimited unless we secure cyber
space so everyone can participate safely."

Additional study results are available at:
http://www.staysafeonline.org/content/2009-cyber-security-study

For the study, NCSA commissioned a Zogby International survey of more than
3,500 Americans and Symantec conducted checkups of 400 Americans' personal
computers performed by Symantec's NortonLive Services . The Zogby poll has a
margin of error of +/- 1.7 percent and the checkup has a margin of error of
+/- 5 percent.

About The National Cyber Security Alliance
The National Cyber Security Alliance is a nonprofit organization. Through
collaboration with the government, corporate, non-profit and academic sectors,
the mission of the NCSA is to empower a digital citizenry to use the Internet
securely and safely protecting themselves, the networks they use, and the
cyber infrastructure. NCSA works to create a culture of cyber security and
safety through education and awareness activities. Visit
www.staysafeonline.org for more information. Friend us on Facebook and
follow @staysafeonline on Twitter.

About Norton From Symantec
Symantec's Norton products protect consumers from traditional threats with
antivirus, anti-spyware and phishing protection, as well as bots, drive-by
downloads and identity theft -- while also being light on system resources.
The company also provides services such as online backup and PC tune-up, and
is a trusted source for family online safety. Friend us on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/norton and follow @NortonOnline on Twitter.

About Symantec
Symantec is a global leader in providing security, storage and systems
management solutions to help consumers and organizations secure and manage
their information-driven world. Our software and services protect against more
risks at more points, more completely and efficiently, enabling confidence
wherever information is used or stored. More information is available at
www.symantec.com.

About National Cyber Security Awareness Month
National Cyber Security Awareness Month is supported by Department of Homeland
Security National Cyber Security Division (NCSD), the National Cyber Security
Alliance, the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC)
and other partners to educate the American public, businesses, schools and
government agencies about ways to secure their part of cyber space, computers
and our nation's critical infrastructure.

Cyber Security is Our Shared Responsibility.

SOURCE National Cyber Security Alliance

Aimee Larsen-Kirkpatrick of the National Cyber Security Alliance,
+1-202-550-5351, aimee@staysafeonline.org or Cecilia Daclan of Symantec Corp.,
+1-424-750-7575, cecilia_daclan@symantec.com or Joshua Zecher, +1-202-463-0013
ext. 206, josh.zecher@463.com, for the National Cyber Security Alliance