Cybercrime. It’s a threat that impacts 20 percent of online shoppers. It’s an issue that cost Americans $560 million in 2009 in online fraud. And it’s a topic that may hit closer to home than we realize, according to Symantec.
Symantec’s Norton division partnered with independent research firm Sperling’s BestPlaces to find and expose the cities most — and least — vulnerable to cybercrime. The top 10 vulnerable cities, by rank, are Seattle; Boston; Washington, D.C.; San Francisco; Raleigh, N.C.; Atlanta; Minneapolis; Denver; Austin, Texas; and Portland, Ore.
“With more people than ever relying on the Internet to stay in touch, shop and pay their bills, feeling confident and secure in our information-driven world is vital,” said Marian Merritt, a Norton Internet safety advocate. “This study highlights the cities most at risk of cybercrime and reminds individuals, families and businesses across the country of the hazards they face each time they go online.”
Risky Online Behaviors
Seattle rated as America’s riskiest cybercrime city, placing near the top in categories like cyberattacks, potential infections, and online behavior that can expose people to cybercrime, such as online shopping and banking online, and wireless Internet access. Boston and Washington, D.C., ranked second and third. Both cities experience a very high level of cybercrime, Symantec said, perhaps due in part to their large number of Wi-Fi hot spots.
Meanwhile, high-tech hubs like San Francisco and Raleigh come in fourth and fifth. San Francisco tops the list for riskiest online behavior and highest number of Wi-Fi hot spots per capita. According to the Norton research, Atlanta residents experience the most cyberattacks and potential infections. Minneapolis and Portland are near the top for risky online behavior, while Denver and Austin score high across the board.
“The beauty for the bad guys with online crime is that there are no borders….