Three out of four Australians worried about online privacy: Symantec

Symantec has found more than three out of four Australia (78 per cent) are more concerned about their online privacy now than five years ago.

The result comes the way of the security vendor’s Privacy Survey, which uncovered a trend in privacy concerns amongst Australians.

Brenton Smith, Pacific region vice president and managing director, said the results show people are more concerned about the information put online and the privacy issues with it.

“The rise in usage of mobile devices and applications has left Australians largely unsure about where and how their personal information is being used, and what information companies and cyber criminals alike can access that might invade their privacy,” he said.

The report also found one in ten Australians, or 12 per cent, have encountered a privacy issue while using a mobile application.

Proactive about deleting

55 per cent of respondents in the survey admitted they do not have enough control of their personal information online.

“With amendments to the Privacy Act due to be enforced in March this year, businesses need to take a hard look at their data privacy processes to ensure they are compliant with the new Australian Privacy Principles,” Smith said.

An encouraging result from the survey is 74 per cent of respondents showing willingness to take action and uninstall a suspicous application, while 53 per cent said they would stop using it completely.

Smith’s recommends users continue to familiarise themselves with the privacy settings and security features of mobile devices and applications.

“Personal data is the currency of the digital world we live in,” he said.

“Internet users today can regain control of their personal information and keep privacy choices in their own hands by taking a common sense approach to online privacy and protection.”

Patrick Budmar covers consumer and enterprise technology breaking news for IDG Communications. Follow Patrick on Twitter at @patrick_budmar.