Dangerous places to be online

2010-04-01

Helen Martin

Virus Bulletin, UK

Editor: Helen Martin

Abstract

Research reveals most dangerous places for cybercrime in the US and Canada.

Symantec’s PR team excelled in the art of producing pointless pieces of information last month when it revealed the top ten ‘riskiest online cities’ in the US and Canada. Topping the list as the US city most vulnerable to cybercrime was Seattle, followed by Boston, Washington, DC, San Francisco and Raleigh. In Canada the top five danger zones were Burlington, Port Coquitlam, Langley, Vancouver and Calgary. The lists were compiled using data on cyber attacks and potential malware infections, as well as information about users’ online behaviour – such as accessing wifi hotspots and online shopping. The research was conducted in association with Sperling’s BestPlaces, a site which provides regional information on cost of living, employment rates, crime rates, schools, climate and so on. Those troubled by finding out they live in a cybercrime hotspot could consider relocating to Detroit in the US or Longueuil in Canada – ranked the least dangerous cities in each country.

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