Brits at risk of cyber attacks by not changing passwords - survey

More than eight in 10 Brits (83 per cent) are not changing their passwords enough - putting themselves and their families at risk of cyber attacks.

That 's according to new research by CSS Assure, the cyber and data security consultancy.

Of those companies, more 34 per cent admitted to never changing their internet banking password or only doing so when prompted, while 20 per cent said they use the same passwords across multiple accounts.

Mike Wills (pictured), director of strategy and policy at cyber and data security firm CSS Assure, said: “Cyber criminality is here to stay and is an increasing plague on society - causing untold damage, while fuelling and funding international crime and global terrorism.

“Currently, there are millions of emails and passwords for sale on the dark web for miniscule amounts, waiting for cyber criminals to purchase.

“No one is immune from cyber attacks and it is vital people make themselves as hard to hack as possible. At a minimum, people should change their passwords at least once every three months as this will stop or prevent access to accounts if personal data has been breached.

“While this may seem like a faff, doing so is the single greatest defence a person can take towards protecting themselves against a cyber attack. Doing so will mitigate that gut-wrenching risk of discovering personal information or pictures have been stolen or your bank account or hard-earned savings have been cleared out.

“Using the same password across multiple accounts is also a major weak link. If one site is breached and someone 's credentials are exposed, their risk is amplified exponentially if they use that same password elsewhere. ”

One in five respondents said they write their passwords down in a notebook or on a mobile application - rising to 24 per cent of Baby Boomers - and almost a quarter of people (22 per cent) admitted to choosing a password that relates back to them.

Seventy-four per cent of Gen Z do not ensure their passwords are complex by using a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters - while 15 per cent said they let someone else know their passwords in case they forget.

Mike said: “Typically, people are unaware they are putting themselves at risk, which can be shown by almost three quarters of those surveyed believing they are cyber security aware - even though they are making mistakes that can have dangerous consequences.

“People should also avoid using obvious personal information. Making your password a mix of information about you that is easily discoverable - such as your birthday, place of birth or pets ' names - only makes it easier to guess. ”