With a new story almost daily in the news about the latest data breach or hacking incident, is it any wonder that Americans are concerned about personal cyber-related risks? Even broadcast television is capitalizing on the issue with CSI: Cyber, the latest in the CSI franchise, inspired by the advanced technological work of cyber-psychologist Mary Aiken.

According to the Travelers 2015 “Consumer Risk Index,” anxiety over cyber-related risks rose from fifth overall to third overall. The survey also found that the top three concerns all are related to cyber risk:

• Financial security, including fear of financial hacking, is a concern for 66%, with 30% saying they worry a great deal.
• Losing personal privacy and identity theft worries 60% of survey respondents, with 25% worrying a great deal.
• Cyber-related risks, including cyber, computer technology, data breaches and risks concern 57%, with 21% worrying a great deal.

The other major concerns of U.S. citizens were:

• Personal safety concerns 51% of those polled to some degree, with 14% worrying a great deal.
• Extreme weather along with natural disasters have 43% of Americans concerned, with 13% worried a great deal about threats to their property and personal safety.
• Transportation and travel risks worried a total of 42%, with 11% worrying a great deal about them.
• Food safety concerns and risks worried 41%, with 13% of those worried a great deal.

(Photo: Shutterstock/Pressmaster)