Most consumers expect their households to face cybercrime, but many overestimate the safety of their own online practices, according to the findings of a new study. This disconnect may help explain why 39% have already fallen victim to scams.
The study, released by bolttec, highlights a widening cyber protection gap across Asia-Pacific’s emerging and developed markets. The study, conducted with independent research agency Blackbox Research, surveyed 3,850 consumers in 11 markets to assess online behaviors, experiences, and attitudes toward cyber risk.
The Asia-Pacific Cyber Safety Landscape 2026 report evaluated consumer cyber readiness through five indexes (experience, habits, response, trends, and trust), offering a comprehensive view of how cyber risks are perceived and managed. Emerging markets including Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia report higher exposure to cybercrime and more frequent scams, while developed markets including South Korea and Japan show the lowest levels of trust in institutions and service providers to safeguard personal data.
Despite high confidence in online safety, the study finds a stark gap between perception and action. While 85% of respondents rate their habits as “good” or “very good,” only 44% consistently practice strong online hygiene. Password reuse is widespread, with nearly 70% admitting to using the same passwords across multiple accounts, particularly younger users. “Even with the vast majority facing scam threats, there is a stark disconnect between public anxiety and personal action,” said Blackbox Research Founder and CEO David Black.
Cyber threats are also becoming increasingly difficult to detect, especially with the rise of AI-driven scams. Nearly two-thirds of consumers expect someone in their household to fall victim to cybercrime in the next year, and 92% are concerned that AI will accelerate scams. Scam calls remain most common in emerging markets, while suspicious SMS is more prevalent in developed markets. Financial losses are significant, particularly in emerging markets where half of victims reported a monetary impact, and in developed markets, where one in four lost more than $500 per incident.
The study underscores a growing demand for cyber protection solutions and emphasizes shared responsibility. Nearly half of respondents believe cybersecurity should be a collaborative effort among governments, banks, telcos, tech platforms, and individuals, while only 14% see it as an individual responsibility. bolttech CEO – APAC Philip Weiner said the need for institutional action, saying, “Our task is clear: empower consumers to navigate cyber risks with confidence by delivering simple, reliable protection built into everyday digital experiences.”