Posted by Mumbai: A lack of understanding and trust is holding consumers back from using cryptocurrencies, according to Kaspersky’s new report. Only 10% that is just one-in-ten knows how cryptocurrencies works.
‘Uncharted territory: why consumers are still wary about adopting cryptocurrency,’ the report reveals that whilst 29% of people have some knowledge of cryptocurrencies and there is a demand among many to use the technology, just one-in-ten knows how cryptos works.
Cryptocurrencies’ adoption rate by global consumers is slowing down, despite celebrities like Johnny Depp and YouTube influencers such PewDiePie embracing the technology. Many consumers still lack a proper understanding of how cryptocurrencies work and this is continuing to halt mainstream adoption.
Till now, four-in-five people (81%) have never purchased cryptocurrency, highlighting just how far away we are from it being accepted as a common form of payment or investment.
Kaspersky’s survey found that there is a desire amongst many consumers to use cryptocurrency, but a knowledge gap is getting in the way of taking the plunge. In addition, many people who thought they knew with what they are dealing with, later decided against using cryptocurrency.
Nearly a fifth (18%) stopped because it became too technically complicated.
This lack of understanding could be leading to mistrust in cryptocurrencies’ ability to keep consumers’ money safe. For instance, nearly a third (31%) of respondents stated that they believe cryptocurrencies are quite volatile and they need to be stable before they are prepared to use them. There is also a common perception amongst consumers that cryptocurrency will not be around forever.
A third (35%) believe cryptocurrencies are a fad that is not worth bothering about.
While widespread interest in cryptocurrencies may have already peaked, there is still a demand to use the technology. A fifth (20%) of those surveyed said that while they are not using cryptocurrency at the moment, they would like to in the future. Yet there is still doubt amongst consumers – often led by a fear that there is a real risk to their finances.
Fraudsters can use cryptocurrencies to their advantage, with around one-in-five (19%) of those surveyed saying they have experienced hacking attacks on exchanges. Criminals also create fake e-wallets to attract people to unwisely invest their money, and 15% of consumers have been victims of cryptocurrency fraud.
“It is clear that mainstream adoption and growth of cryptocurrency is being held back due to the vulnerable nature of the technology. While there is a high appetite to use it, giving your hard-earned cash to something you don’t fully understand, or trust, is a hurdle,” said Vitaly Mzokov, Head of Commercialization, Kaspersky
“With the safety of investments being of paramount importance to consumers, it is vital that they take their own steps to safeguard it. Like with any cyberthreat, there’s no substitute for vigilance – if something looks too good to be true, then it probably is,” added Mzokov.
To help improve stability and foster trust in cryptocurrencies, Kaspersky has partnered with Merkeleon to develop legitimate marketplace platforms, online auction platforms, cryptocurrency exchanges and crypto payment systems.
“Cryptocurrency certainly has its benefits but, as we can see, many consumers are still unaware of what they are due to concerns over security and how the technology works. It is an exciting industry to be involved in but it is one that is built upon trust,” said Alexey Sidorowich, Head – Sales and Business Development at Merkeleon.
“It is, therefore, imperative that cryptocurrency businesses do all they can to protect their networks and ensure their customers’ finances are safe and secure,” explained Sidorowich.
(Image source – Kaspersky)