Awareness of digital identity security has improved across Europe, but significant issues remain, according to a new report.
Identity expert Okta surveyed more than 4,000 people split more or less evenly across the UK, Germany, France and the Netherlands.
The vast majority are aware of digital security issues, with 93% saying that they were worried about digital identity theft.
Fewer had taken steps to improve their own identity security, however.
Just over half (54%) said that they had improved their awareness of their own digital footprint over the past 12 months.
Password hygiene had also improved, with 42% of people reporting that they are using different passwords for every online account.
This still left the majority duplicating at least some passwords, however, while 11% still put themselves at risk by using the same password for everything.
High-profile attacks reported in the media had heightened awareness of identity security online, but two-thirds (66%) of respondents reported knowing someone personally who had had their personal details hacked.
Artificial intelligence (AI) was also cited as a source of concern, with a majority (56%) believing that the emerging technology was making the online environment considerably more dangerous.
A similar proportion (59%) believed that AI increased the risk of identity theft.
Interestingly, 42% of people said that they would be happy with businesses using AI to improve the process of logging into accounts.
Digital banking is the top identity security concern
The most pressing worry related to digital identity security was online banking, with 57% of respondents citing it as their top concern.
Social media was far less of a concern, with only 7% of people believing that their X, Facebook and other accounts were primary targets.
Okta pointed out, however, that having social media profiles hacked or compromised could yield valuable personal details.
Workplace accounts were given even less consideration, with only 2% believing that they presented a target for cyber-criminals.
In reality, individuals’ workplace accounts are often prime targets and could potentially put the organisation at risk.
In general though, nearly three quarters of respondents said that they wanted to improve their own digital identity security, with 46% believing that it is a matter of personal responsibility.
Just over a quarter (26%) believe that responsibility should be split between the individual, government and tech companies.
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