UK Leads US in Spotting Phishing Scams, NordVPN Study Finds
Key Points
- UK tops English‑speaking nations in identifying phishing websites.
- Only 31% of U.S. respondents correctly spot phishing attempts.
- Both UK and US score just 5% on AI‑related privacy questions.
- UK ranks fifth globally in overall cybersecurity awareness (58/100).
- US ties with Germany for fourth place (59/100).
- 96% of UK participants know how to create strong passwords, but only 21% know secure storage methods.
- Only 32% of UK respondents are familiar with online privacy‑protecting tools.
- NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro blocks malicious sites and scans downloads for malware.
A recent NordVPN National Privacy Test reveals that the United Kingdom outperforms the United States in identifying phishing websites, with 31% of U.S. respondents unable to correctly spot such scams. While the UK ranks among the top English‑speaking nations for overall cybersecurity awareness, both countries lag in understanding AI‑related privacy issues, each scoring only 5% on that metric. The study also highlights gaps in password storage knowledge and the use of online privacy tools, underscoring areas where both nations could improve digital safety practices.
Overview of the National Privacy Test
The NordVPN National Privacy Test surveyed participants from around the globe to assess knowledge of online security and privacy practices. Among English‑speaking countries, the United Kingdom emerged as the strongest at identifying phishing websites. In contrast, the United States showed a markedly lower proficiency, with only 31% of U.S. respondents correctly recognizing phishing attempts.
Key Findings on Phishing Awareness
British respondents demonstrated a high level of competence in spotting phishing sites, positioning the UK at the top of the English‑speaking cohort. The United States, however, was listed by NordVPN as needing improvement in this area. The disparity underscores differing levels of public awareness regarding common online scams.
Overall Cybersecurity Rankings
When evaluating broader cybersecurity and privacy knowledge, the United Kingdom placed fifth globally, tied with Australia, Switzerland, and Austria, achieving a score of 58 out of 100. The United States tied with Germany for fourth place, scoring 59 out of 100. Lithuania led the overall ranking with a score of 62 out of 100.
Blind Spots in AI Privacy Awareness
Both the UK and the US shared a significant blind spot concerning privacy issues related to artificial intelligence in the workplace. Only 5% of respondents from each country answered correctly on this topic, slightly below the global average of 6%.
Password Practices and Online Tools
While the UK excelled in knowing how to craft strong passwords—96% of British participants answered correctly—knowledge of secure password storage was low, with only 21% passing that portion of the test. Additionally, awareness of online tools that protect digital privacy was limited, with just 32% of UK respondents demonstrating proficiency.
Recommendations and Tools
The study suggests that using a reputable VPN service, such as NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro, can help mitigate phishing risks by blocking malicious sites, trackers, and ads, and scanning downloads for malware. The tool operates at the URL and JavaScript levels, providing protection even without an active VPN connection. Similar offerings exist from other providers, but the NordVPN solution is highlighted for its distinct approach.
Conclusion
The NordVPN National Privacy Test highlights the United Kingdom’s relative strength in phishing detection while exposing shared weaknesses in AI privacy understanding and password management across both the UK and the United States. These insights point to opportunities for improved public education and the adoption of security tools to bolster digital safety worldwide.