Europeans "have lost control" of their personal data

Kaspersky Lab has discovered that Europeans have lost control of their personal data online with 64 per cent of those surveyed not knowing all the places where their personal data is stored across the web.

The security firm surveyed over 7,000 consumers across Europe to learn more about this issue ahead of its Kaspersky Next conference where it will be discussed in even greater detail.

Kaspersky Lab's research does show that consumers care about the fate of their data with 88 per cent caring if their data is used unlawfully. Additionally, 57 per cent said they would feel scared or stressed if their personal financial data was hacked into. 

However, consumer trust in large businesses is declining with just 45 per cent of respondents placing their trust in them to take care of their data and only 36 per cent believing that their data is secure on social media sites.

Consumer responsibility

Despite their lack of trust in large businesses to manage their data, consumers are not doing much to help themselves and a worrying number of those surveyed get even the simple things wrong. For example, one in five (20%) do not password protect their Wi-Fi and 30 per cent do not protect their devices with security software.

These and other privacy related issues will be discussed in detail at Kaspersky Next on a panel entitled The price of Privacy in an Age of Data Promiscuity. The company will also launch its latest solution, Privacy Audit at the event to help consumers better understand their privacy online.

Head of Kaspersky's Global Research and Analysis Team in Europe, Marco Preuss provided further insight on this issue, saying:

“People know they must protect their own data, because failing to do so can be disastrous. If your data is stolen you may lose money, be chased for a debt that somebody else has run up, your reputation may be destroyed, you may even be accused of a crime. Your information may be sold and the money used to fund all sorts of crime.” 

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