Data privacy survey: Consumers worry about data but don’t do enough to protect it

Written by Kate Bissinger | Jan 30, 2025 7:33:40 PM

Acronis surveyed 2,500 participants across eight countries regarding data privacy, consumer perspectives and their actions related to data privacy and cyber protection. The survey explores public views on data security and the measures people are adopting to protect their personal information through cybersecurity practices.

Here is an excerpt from their article:

"The survey highlights that consumers are aware of cybersecurity threats, with 64% citing data breaches as their top concern. However, many do not follow best practices. For instance, less than half use two-factor authentication (2FA), and a significant number do not avoid using public Wi-Fi.

Phishing, malware and ransomware are prevalent threats, with each affecting approximately 20% of consumers. Despite these threats, 50% of consumers say they have never experienced a data breach. Another 24% said they had suffered a breach, and 12% of respondents didn’t know whether or not they had or not."

Key insights from the survey:

Growing concerns: 64% of respondents cite data breaches as their top concern, highlighting increasing cyberthreat awareness.
Cybersecurity practices: While many consumers are taking steps to protect their data, significant gaps remain. About 35% of respondents do not back up their data regularly, and 4% are unsure of what data backup means.
Mobile security awareness: Despite the prevalence of mobile devices, only 43% of users employ mobile security applications, leaving many vulnerable to attacks
Behavioral paradox: Despite a growing sophistication in understanding security threats, nearly 30% of consumers find security tools too complex to manage, and almost half neglect data protection altogether.

To read the full article visit the Acronis Blog. Download the survey to gain valuable insights into how consumers perceive the evolving data privacy landscape and how they can enhance cybersecurity measures.

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