THE USE OF ICT IN TODAY'S SOCIETY FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF CITIZENS AND BUSINESSES: SECURITY RISKS AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE PORTUGUESE POPULATION

: Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have assumed a key role in today's society. In fact, we are witnessing an increasingly widespread use of the Internet, a trend seen both at the level of individual citizens and companies, which more and more use these new technologies to promote their products and services. The state entities themselves are also dependent on ICT, due to a digitalisation of public services. In order to determine the impact that the dissemination of ICT can have on society, it is necessary to understand how people and businesses use the internet, namely the information they share or the use of e-commerce. This study frames Portugal's situation in the global context, making it pivotal in order to prevent/minimize risks, showing the habits of people and companies and, more importantly, the trends that can be seen. It can help chart the path to follow in order to prevent cyberattacks and, with this, ensure people's quality of life, which can be greatly affected by cyber risks.