Cyber Threats in London: The Facts and Figures
Cybercrime affects over 5 million individuals in the UK every year, with a majority living in London. This densely populated area is unsurprisingly a hotspot for cybercriminal activity. It’s one of the world’s leading financial and technological hubs, with thousands of Londoners experiencing cybercrimes such as scams, hacked accounts, and intimate image abuse annually.
As we increasingly rely on digital platforms for personal and professional consumption, the question remains, who is most likely to be affected by cybercrime in London?
Generational Trends
The majority (40%) of victims in London that accessed support through The Cyber Helpline last year were aged 25-39. 33% were aged 40-66, and 19% were 18-24. Under 13s comprised just of 1% of victims, and 13-17 year olds made up 4%. Victims aged 66+ made up 2%.
Older adults are more likely to experience a lack of accessibility to the internet or a smartphone compared to younger generations, which may go some way to explaining the disparity in service users. Different age groups also have distinct preferences and behaviours when it comes to online security practices. For instance, younger individuals are more likely to use VPNs and biometric identification tools. Conversely, older individuals have more traditional security preferences, such as using anti-virus software. The generational divide in attitudes towards online security show that younger individuals tend to adopt advanced technologies quickly, whereas older individuals stick to more foundational tools that are associated with earlier technology adoption.
Unpacking Attack Types by Gender
London victims who identify as female are somewhat more likely to be impacted by cybercrime (52%). Individuals who identify as male experience cyber threats almost as much (46%). For those who identify as non-binary, other, or preferred not to say, 2% accessed help from The Cyber Helpline in London last year.
The top 3 crimes targeting females are online harassment, cyberstalking, and hacked social media accounts.
The top 3 crimes affecting males in London are hacked social media, webcam blackmail/sextortion, and online harassment.
Top 5 Cyberattacks in London
The cybercrimes that occur most frequently across London are as follows:
Online harassment (Over 14%).
Hacked social media accounts (Over 13%).
Cyberstalking (Over 10%).
Webcam Blackmail/Sextortion (Almost 7%).
Phishing and Social Engineering (Almost 7%).
A Breakdown of Attack Types in London by Age
18-24 year olds are most likely to be victims of webcam blackmail/sextortion, online harassment, and phishing.
25-39 year olds tend to be victims of online harassment, hacked social media accounts, and cyberstalking.
40-66 year olds are vulnerable to hacked social media accounts, online harassment, and cyberstalking.
How The Cyber Helpline Can Help
Regardless of background, one thing is clear, anyone can become a victim of cybercrime. The Cyber Helpline is a non-profit organisation supporting those affected by such incidents. We provide guidance, resources, and reassurance to work towards a safer environment for all.