The following are ranked the Norton Top 10 Riskiest Online Cities:

1. Seattle
2. Boston
3. Washington, D.C.
4. San Francisco
5. Raleigh, N.C.
6. Atlanta
7. Minneapolis
8. Denver
9. Austin, Texas
10. Portland, Ore.

According to a Norton press release, the rankings were determined through a combination of Symantec Security Response’s data on cyber attacks and potential malware infections, as well as third-party data about online behavior, such as accessing WiFi hotspots and online shopping.

At the top of the rankings, Seattle claims the dubious distinction of America’s leading riskiest cybercrime city, placing near the top in categories such as cyber attacks and potential infections; online behavior that can expose people more to cybercrime, such as online shopping and banking online; and wireless Internet access.

Boston and Washington, D.C. follow in second and third place.  Both cities experience a very high level of cybercrime, perhaps due in part to their large number of WiFi hotpots.

High-tech hubs San Francisco and Raleigh are ranked fourth and fifth. San Francisco tops the list for riskiest online behavior and highest number of WiFi hotspots per capita. Many of these cities are considered some of the most tech-savvy cities in the nation, proving that even skilled and experienced Internet users are at risk when it comes to cybercrime and online insecurity.

Rounding out the top 10 are Atlanta, Minneapolis, Denver, Austin and Portland. According to the Norton research, Atlanta residents experience the most cyber attacks and potential infections. Minneapolis and Portland are near the top for risky online behavior, while Denver and Austin score high across the board.

“With more people than ever relying on the Internet to stay in touch, shop and pay their bills, feeling confident and secure in our information-driven world is vital,” said Marian Merritt, Norton Internet Safety Advocate.

“This study highlights the cities most at risk of cybercrime and reminds individuals, families and businesses across the country of the hazards they face each time they go online. We’re here to educate consumers about how to protect themselves and ideally never fall victim to cybercrime.”

Of the 50 U.S. cities examined, Detroit came in as the least risky online city. Motor City’s residents were less likely to participate in risky online behavior compared to other cities in the study, and it also ranked low in cybercrime, access to the Internet, expenditures on computer equipment, and wireless Internet access. El Paso, Texas and Memphis, Tenn. came in second and third, respectively, on the list of least risky online cities.

In addition, the following cities are ranked numbers 10 through 20 as far as riskiest online cities:

10. Portland, Ore.
11. Honolulu
12. Charlotte, N.C.
13. Las Vegas
14. San Diego
15. Colorado Springs, Colo.
16. Sacramento, Calif.
17. Pittsburgh
18. Oakland, Calif.
19. Nashville-Davidson, Tenn
20. San Jose, Calif.

© Annie Blanco for Security World News, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Cybercrime, Identity Theft, Norton, Symantec