Computer Security A Second Thought, Survey Says

High-level security issues may be top of mind for most ITexecutives, but end-users don't necessarily share that sense of urgency, according to a survey released yesterday by CMP Media's Network Computing magazine and research company Karlin Associates. The survey, the result of a poll of 726 attendees at the PC Expo conference in New York City over the last two days, shows that most users have somewhat of a relaxed attitude about security, especially when it comes to password security basics such as selecting a password, frequency of changing passwords, and using the same password for different accounts.

* Half of the respondents rated themselves as "security conscious" with regard to managing their personal accounts on the Web, while only 18% considered themselves "vigilant" about security.

* Almost two-thirds of respondents frequently use the same password for multiple accounts; it's worse among those who identified themselves as "security conscious"--almost three- quarters.

* Almost half the respondents select passwords that are classified as "worst" selections, such as familiar names and dates.

* And while the vast majority of respondents change their password on a regular basis, only 34% change passwords monthly, which is the recommended frequency.