Most people in China fear Internet fraud and believe that it is the biggest threat to cybersecurity.
Internet fraud is followed by the threats of Internet virus and then private information leaks as among what many Chinese fear online, according to a Global Times poll.
The news agency conducted a poll regarding what threats Chinese people in the seven major cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu are most concerned about.
Data from 1,357 residents showed that Internet fraud is the most feared cyber threat. The poll could not be timelier because it was conducted on the country's first Cyber Security Week, which was observed on the last week of November.
Cyber Security week is prepared and organized under the cooperation of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Education and other related departments. The event is designed to understand the many risks brought about by the advent of the Internet.
Based on the poll, 65 percent do not believe that the cyberspace is safe. The result is interesting because despite the concern over cybersecurity, 70 percent of the respondents did not experience any threats themselves in their use of the Internet. Majority of the respondents said that they do not easily succumb to online rumors and that they are cautious with their Internet use.
Many fear Internet fraud because of the lack of resources and the high costs associated with identifying unscrupulous Internet users. Moreover, being victimized can lead to high financial losses.
"Cheating on netizens costs very little but is difficult for police to track down," Huang Chengqing, vice president of China's Internet Society shared to the Global Times.
Experts claimed that one way to curb Internet fraud is by creating and introducing electronic identity cards. Online shops and banks should also have all the necessary information secured and registered with the authorities to avoid Internet fraud cases.
Chinese citizens believe that online content providers and Internet service operators should help in ensuring cybersecurity. With China's huge population, Internet security should be given utmost attention.