Data Deluge: Lack of identity protection measures putting UK users at risk
Just 27% are actively trying to reduce the amount of personal information they share online
Our research and "Evolution of Digital Identity Report" highlights the increasing importance of digital identity security in people's lives. The report reveals that 84% of people in the UK are worried about the amount of data they have shared online and wish to reduce it. However, only 27% are actively taking steps to do so. In fact, just 37% of people have implemented multi-factor authentication, such as biometric or fingerprint scans, to manage their online accounts.
Compared to other age groups, Generation Z has done the least to protect their data, despite 76% of 16–24-year-olds agreeing they are worried about how much of their identity is already on the internet and wish they could reduce it. Just 22% of this generation are actively taking steps to protect their online identity, compared to 30% in the 55+ category.
Despite the lack of action, the report also revealed people are noticeably concerned about the future of digital identities. Nearly three-quarters (74%) agree that losing their phone feels like losing their identity, and 67% agree that losing access to their phone is devastating, whereas having a house key stolen is easily remedied. Yet at the same time, the vast majority (93%) agree that they would like their children or future children to not have to provide so much of their personal information online.
While the report shows huge amounts of personal data now resides online, digital identity solutions are yet to catch up. Respondents shared that the majority of identity authentication they have experienced is still paper based (56%), such as birth certificates, driving licences and passports etc. While the EU’s Digital Identity Wallets could be a solution to many identity check problems, just 15% of people in the UK currently report using them, and only 10% expect these to become the predominant method for identifying themselves in the future.
Download our full report to read more about how people in the UK views digital identity.
