The average cost of multimedia files that a user might lose from a device as a result of a cyber-attack or other damage is estimated at £255. That is according to research by an IT security product company. Many of these losses could be prevented, but after users purchase digital content they often fail to take appropriate steps to ensure that content is secure.
Users can lose files in a number of ways: losing a device, having a device stolen, or falling victim to malicious users. Cybercriminals understand that users value their files, which is why they are constantly developing new malware
According to the Kaspersky Lab survey, over the past year 27 per cent of respondents encountered a cyber-attack. At the same time, over 60 per cent of users who were victims of malware that either damaged or destroyed data admitted that they had not been able to fully restore their files. During the same period, approximately 14 per cent of users dealt with the loss, theft or crash of their device.
Unguarded digital treasures
Studies have shown that potential losses resulting from the loss of multimedia content (in other words, the monetary value of the files that cannot be restored) is higher among younger respondents, who actively download music and movies. For example, respondents in the 16-24 age group would face an average loss of £408, while those in the 25-34 group would incur an average loss of £277. Users aged 45 and older would lose an average of £138.
When it comes to the value of data losses in different countries, residents of China and Russia were likely to incur the highest average losses at £497 and £492 per user, respectively. This figure is considerably lower in Europe (£140) and North America (£208).
To protect digital assets, users not only need to back up their data on a regular basis – they also need to secure their personal devices against malicious attacks designed to steal or extort data. Smartphones and tablets should also have additional tools to help locate a lost device or to mitigate the potential damages of device theft.
