A recent study by NordVPN has revealed that Singaporeans have fallen to second place globally in cybersecurity and online privacy awareness, down from first place last year. This decline indicates a stagnation in knowledge, highlighting critical gaps in understanding the privacy risks associated with AI technologies in the workplace.
The National Privacy Test (NPT), an open-access survey assessing cybersecurity awareness, analysed 30,792 responses from individuals across 186 countries.
While Singaporeans excelled in certain areas—such as creating strong passwords (99%), knowing what data to share with apps (97%), and understanding how devices can be infected with malware (97%)—they lag significantly in recognising the specific privacy challenges posed by AI. Only 5% of respondents were aware of the privacy issues related to AI usage for work, and just 13% understood what data Internet Service Providers (ISPs) collect as metadata.
Despite these shortcomings, Singaporeans demonstrated a strong grasp of data sharing and application permissions. They also showed an increase in recognising AI-powered scams, rising by 10 percentage points to 78%. However, the report highlighted that 44% of participants could identify phishing websites, indicating room for improvement in critical areas of online safety.
Marijus Briedis, CTO at NordVPN, emphasised that while people are becoming better at spotting scams, vulnerabilities remain. “People are getting better at spotting scams, yet too many still skip updates or reuse passwords,” he noted. These small lapses are precisely what cybercriminals exploit.
To enhance online security, Briedis recommended several best practices:
- Create Unique and Strong Passwords: Utilise distinct, robust passwords for each account and consider using a password manager.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding an extra layer of verification can significantly secure accounts.
- Keep Software Updated: Regular updates fix vulnerabilities and ensure security patches are applied promptly.
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): This encrypts internet connections, safeguarding personal information from potential eavesdroppers.
- Review Privacy Settings: Regular adjustments to privacy settings on social media and apps are essential.
- Educate Yourself: Continuous learning empowers individuals to make informed decisions regarding cybersecurity.
As Singapore navigates its digital landscape, it is critical for individuals and organisations to invest in cybersecurity education and awareness to mitigate risks posed by evolving threats, particularly those enabled by AI technologies.
