A Study on Threat Awareness and Use of Countermeasures among Online Users - Research Paper Example

Despite the fact that the level of awareness of the contemporary cyber threats has significantly increased among online users within the last few years, there is a growing need to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the countermeasures currently being used. Fortunately, there are a number of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) principles that can effectively be used to enhance online user interaction and reduce internet security threats.People live in a modern world where their lives are largely dependent on computer technology.

The internet has entered people’s lives for various needs. Statistics show that out of the total world population 40.4% of people are using the internet (Live Internet Stats, 2014). Internet usage amongst people varies from working, for education, for social life, for entertainment and playing games, etc. Technology has brought myriad changes in people’s daily life, and it is today possible to get online through a wide range of platforms, such as mobiles, smartphones, tablets, laptops; While technology and internet has a wide range of advantages like online banking service, paying bills, e-commerce, etc.

there are also several potential disadvantages that can negatively influence the positive outcome of the current situation such as online attacks. Threats range from virus attacks, phishing attacks, password attacks, and most dangerously hacking attempts that have increased their focus on people and organizations to steal information (SOPHOS, 2014). For this poor interaction design is likely one of the key causes.