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The study shows that US cybersecurity and online privacy perceptions have not improved since last year, according to Nordvpn.
September 16, 2025 – Americans rank fourth in the world for cybersecurity and online privacy knowledge, according to a new survey by cybersecurity company Nordvpn. Americans are good at dealing with suspicious streaming service offers (96%) and creating strong passwords (96%), but only 5% can identify privacy issues with using AI in the workplace.
The Annual National Privacy Test (NPT) is a global open access survey designed to assess people’s cybersecurity and online privacy perceptions and educate the public about the importance of cyber threats and the security of data and information. The 2025 edition analyzed 30,792 responses in 186 countries.
“AI has raised stocks online, but the basics of staying safe haven’t changed. People are making fraud discoveries better, but still reusing many updates and reusing passwords. These small gaps are precisely aimed at educating people all over the world and educating people around the world about cyber threats. Nordvpn’s Chief Technology Officer Briedis.
These countries rank in the top three for cybersecurity and online privacy awareness.
1. Lithuania (62/100)
2. Singapore and India (61/100)
3. Poland and Finland (60/100)
Americans often deal with suspicious service offers but fail with AI-related privacy issues
The results show that Americans are well dealing with suspicious streaming service offers (96%) and strong password creation (96%). They also understand how devices get malware infected (94%), which apps to grant permission (94%), and sensitive data to avoid sharing on social media (90%).
However, only 5% of Americans are aware of privacy issues to consider when using AI for their work. Only 15% of the data your ISP collects as metadata, and 16% know where to store passwords securely, and 17% know how to secure your home Wi-Fi network. Only a third (31%) of phishing websites can be identified.
Among Americans, 1% is Cyber Wonderers (minimum knowledge), with the largest share (68%) earning 50-74 points, categorized as a cyber adventurer, knowledgeable, but with room for improvement. Cyberstar’s share is stable at 13% year-on-year, slightly above the global average of 10%.
Americans have gained recognition of online privacy tools. This rose 7% points (to 37%), while perceptions of AI power fraud increased 5 points (to 76%), increasing the ability to improve fake URLs 4 points (to 53%) compared to last year. However, understanding the security benefits of updating apps has decreased by another 3 points (to 50%).
Steps to increase your online security and privacy
Nordvpn’s Marijus Briedis shares a series of steps people can take to enhance online privacy and security.
Create a unique and strong password. Use a unique and robust password for each online account. Additionally, use the PassKey login for your account, if available. Enables Multifactor Authentication (MFA). Enhance your account security by enabling multifactor authentication. This adds an additional layer of protection by requiring additional forms of verification. Keep your software up to date. Update software, operating systems and applications regularly. It helps to fix vulnerabilities and ensure security patches are applied. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Always use a VPN to encrypt your internet connection and protect your personal information from potential eavesdroppers. Check your privacy settings. Regularly review and adjust your privacy settings on social media platforms, mobile apps and other online services. Educate yourself about cybersecurity. Continuous learning allows you to make informed decisions about protecting your online presence.
Methodology: National Privacy Testing is an open access survey that allows anyone in the world to take the test and compare their results with global results. In 2025, 30,792 respondents from 186 countries answered 22 questions assessing online privacy skills and knowledge. 2025 data was analyzed as of 07/31/2025 and presented in the report. If there is a difference compared to the results on a web page, it means that more people have been involved since July 31st and the results have changed slightly. Additionally, the 2024 analysis takes into account the complete 2024 data. Last year’s communications analyzed only the provisional results up to July 17, 2024.
About nordvpn
Nordvpn is the world’s most advanced VPN service provider, chosen by millions of internet users around the world. The service provides features such as dedicated IP on a VPN server, double VPN, and onions. This will help you enhance your online privacy with zero tracking. One of NordVPN’s main features is Threat Protection Pro, a tool that blocks malicious websites for malware, trackers, and ads and scan downloads. Nordvpn is part of Nord Security, and the latest product is the Travel ESIM app, Saily. Known for its user-friendly design, Nordvpn offers some of the best prices on the market and covers 165 locations in 118 countries around the world.
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