EU employees face rising cybersecurity threats at work

A recent Flash Eurobarometer report commissioned by the European Commission reveals that cybersecurity threats have become a routine part of professional life for employees across the European Union. The study, which surveyed 25,747 workers from all 27 EU member states, found that two-thirds of European companies have experienced at least one cybersecurity incident within the last six months.

Phishing is identified as the most prevalent threat, affecting 39% of employees. Other significant risks include attempts to steal personal data (18%), malware attacks (17%), password theft (16%), and scams utilizing artificial intelligence (15%). Additionally, 61% of respondents reported receiving suspicious phone calls.

The report highlights a notable gap between awareness and practice. While 83% of employees view the consequences of a cyberattack on their company as serious, many fail to follow basic cyber hygiene. For instance, although 72% claim they can identify suspicious emails, only 54% report consistently checking the sender before opening them. Furthermore, only 48% of workers felt capable of recognizing a fake video generated by artificial intelligence.