The study was conducted between February and March 2026 in France, Brazil, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Poland, South Africa, Sweden, The United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, over more than 3300 persons aged 15 and over. The survey’s representativeness was ensured through the quota method. Samples in each country were weighted according to gender, age and region.

According to Idemia the findings underscore a clear message for the digital economy: while consumers embrace digital services with enthusiasm, they increasingly expect providers to deliver seamless, robust security that protects their data and transactions.

Key findings:

• 96% of global respondents consider themselves frequent users of digital services
• 74% worry about fraud via digital tools; 74% fear theft of personal data
• 53% feel more vulnerable online than 5 years ago
• 38% have already been victims of hacking or data theft globally, rising to 63% in the UAE and 47% in the USA
• 44% acknowledge cyber security risks but admit they don’t fully understand them

Security is a key expectation

Digital services have become essential worldwide, with 96% of respondents describing themselves as frequent users. From banking to connectivity, consumers value the speed and convenience that digital tools bring to their daily lives. This enthusiasm spans all age groups and regions, confirming the irreversible shift toward digital-first experiences.

Consumers are increasingly security-conscious. Over 70% express awareness of risks related to fraud and data protection, and more than half feel that vigilance is more important today than five years ago. Importantly, security has emerged as the top criterion when choosing between digital services, ahead of ease of use and cost. This is particularly evident in sectors where IST has deep expertise, such as digital payments, where 61% of users cite security-related features among the main benefits they value. This signals a clear opportunity for providers who invest and offer in trusted, secure-by-design solutions to differentiate themselves in a competitive market.

Bridging the knowledge gap: from emerging technologies to quantum readiness

As digital ecosystems grow more sophisticated, consumers look to providers for guidance and reassurance. While awareness of cyber security risks is high, many users acknowledge they rely on digital service providers to navigate the complexity on their behalf. This trust represents both an opportunity and a responsibility for the industry. This dynamic is particularly evident with emerging technologies. Quantum computing, for instance, is increasingly on consumers’ radar. A majority have heard of it, and among them, 64% recognise it as a potential cyber security challenge. Paradoxically, however, only 18% of those surveyed have a clear understanding of quantum computers.

Encouragingly, a significant proportion believe the quantum challenge can be addressed with the right solutions, highlighting consumer confidence in technological innovation and the providers leading it. For IST, whose expertise in quantum-safe cryptography and secure chip technology positions it at the forefront of post-quantum readiness, this reinforces the importance of preparing clients today for the security challenges of tomorrow.

Security that fosters trust: a commitment to a safer digital future

The study confirms that consumers place significant trust in their service providers to safeguard their digital lives. And, according to IST, whose solutions, from encryption and tokenisation to authentication and crypto-agile chips, already secure billions of transactions worldwide every year, this trust is a foundation of its services.

"As consumers rely more on digital services, they expect security to be built in, seamless, and future-ready. At Idemia Secure Transactions, we design solutions that help our clients address evolving threats, so they can keep innovating while maintaining user trust," says Marc Bertin, CTO at Idemia Secure Transactions.