East Midlands ranks first in the Barclays Digital Safety Index

The East Midlands has been named as the most ‘digitally safe’ region in the UK, according to a new study from Barclays which has scored the nation’s susceptibility to online scams and fraud.

Launched today (8 May), the Barclays Digital Safety Index score is based on the ability of 6,000 UK adults to protect data, devices, accounts, and to spot digital threats. Respondents in the East Midlands were asked to complete a digital safety test − similar to the hazard perception tests encountered by Brits taking driving theory exams − and answer questions about the steps they take to protect their devices from online threats.

On average, people in the East Midlands scored 6.46 in the test, higher than the national average score of 6.27, and higher than neighbouring West Midlands, which scored 6.22. With scores ranging from 1-10, (10 being the maximum score), this places the East Midlands as the most digitally safe region in the UK.

Kim Kinawi, community banking director in the East Midlands said: “The Barclays Digital Safety Index identifies the UK’s most vulnerable to cybercrime for the first time.

“While the East Midlands ranked highly in the Digital Safety Index, it remains a hotspot for bank account fraud with a higher level of vulnerability to hacking, frauds and scams than the UK average.”

 

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