Cybersecurity Study

The Digital Fears of European Citizens

Download Study
Two colleagues are working together on a laptop, sitting on a stone staircase outdoors.
This infographic displays the results of a survey on threat perception in Europe (n=14,000). The largest perceived risks are: "Poor cybersecurity practices of companies that have my data" at 43%, "My own online behavior" at 42%, and "Poor cybersecurity practices of government agencies" at 14%. "Other" risks account for 2%.

14,000 Europeans reveal their digital fears

On one hand, citizens are deeply concerned about whether cybersecurity measures and digital sovereignty are sufficient at companies and public authorities. They also see democratic processes, such as elections, threatened by cybercriminals. On the other hand, they criticize their own, often careless behavior regarding personal cybersecurity, feeling unprepared and vulnerable.

The study at a glance: The gap between concern and action

Infographic on identity and data theft in Europe, based on a survey of 14,000 participants. The chart shows that 15% of respondents perceive data theft as very unlikely and 5% as very likely. Additionally, 37% of Europeans state they know someone who has been affected by data theft.

High-risk awareness is shaped by concrete experiences

  • 88 percent of Europeans express concerns about data security and privacy protection with digital services such as streaming platforms, social media and online shops.
  • In 17 and 18 percent of households, respectively, there have already been cases of credit card misuse or identity or data theft.
  • Around 37 percent of respondents know someone in their personal circle who has already become a victim.
  • Respondents see the biggest risks to their digital identity in "my own online behavior" (42 percent) and in "insufficient cybersecurity practices of organizations that have my data" (43 percent).
Download Study

About the cyber security study

The representative study was commissioned by Schwarz Digits and conducted in 14 European countries with around 14,000 participants via an online survey. It underscores the widespread fear of identity theft and the concern about the serious effects of cyberattacks on democracy and businesses. It illustrates the urgent need for improved security measures at a personal and institutional level. 

The pan-European survey, which took place in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom, paints a picture of a society that lives a digital life despite considerable digital fears.

Download Study

Press release on the cyber security study

Europe’s citizens are concerned about their digital security, yet the responsibility for it seems unclear. Our comprehensive cybersecurity study with 14,000 Europeans shows that trust in companies and authorities is low, but people also often neglect their own precautionary measures.

Read our press release to learn about the surprising results, the specific concerns of citizens and how Schwarz Digits contributes to a safer digital Europe with sovereign solutions.

Read the press release