French Consumers Report a Gap Between Digital Adoption and Cybersecurity Awareness, Finds an IDEMIA Secure Transactions Study

The study, conducted in 11 countries among more than 3,300 respondents¹, sends a clear message to the digital economy. While consumers are enthusiastically adopting digital services, they increasingly expect providers to offer robust and seamless security capable of protecting their data and transactions.

Key figures for France:

• 95% of French people consider themselves regular users of digital services
• 78% are concerned about fraud via digital tools; 80% fear the theft of their personal data
• 59% feel more vulnerable online than they did 5 years ago
• 34% say they have already been victims of hacking or data theft
• 47% recognize cyber risks but admit they don’t really understand them

Digital usage is becoming increasingly entrenched, driving a greater demand for security

Digital services have become indispensable, with 95% of French people describing themselves as regular users. From banking services to mobile connectivity, consumers value the speed and convenience that digital tools bring to their daily lives. This enthusiasm spans all age groups, confirming an irreversible shift toward digital experiences.

At the same time, the French are particularly vigilant when it comes to security. Nearly 80% express concerns about fraud and data protection, and nearly six in ten say they are more concerned today than they were five years ago. Notably, security has emerged as the top criterion for choosing between different digital services, ahead of ease of use. This is particularly true in sectors where IST has recognized expertise, such as digital payments, where the majority of users cite security features among the main benefits they seek. This sends a strong signal to providers to invest in trusted solutions that are secure by design.

Understanding Tomorrow’s Threats: A Strong Expectation from Users

As digital ecosystems grow more complex, consumers are turning to their providers for guidance and reassurance. While awareness of cyber risks is high, many users acknowledge that they rely on service providers to navigate this complexity. This trust represents both an opportunity and a responsibility for the industry.

This dynamic is particularly evident with emerging technologies. Quantum computing, for example, is gradually coming onto consumers’ radar: nearly half of French people have heard of it, and among them, 62% see it as a potential cybersecurity risk. Paradoxically, only 13% of those surveyed say they clearly understand what quantum computers are.

One encouraging sign: a significant proportion believes that the quantum challenge can be met with the right solutions, demonstrating consumer confidence in technological innovation and the companies driving it. For IST, whose expertise in cryptography and secure chip technologies positions it at the forefront of preparations for the post-quantum era, this confirms the importance of supporting its clients today in addressing the security challenges of tomorrow.

Security as the Foundation of Trust: IST’s Commitment to a Safer Digital Future

The study confirms that consumers place significant trust in their service providers to protect their digital lives. For IST, whose solutions—ranging from encryption to tokenization, authentication, and crypto-agile chips—already secure billions of daily transactions worldwide, this trust is the foundation of our mission.

Consumers are embracing digital services and expect security to be built in from the start. At IDEMIA Secure Transactions, we are proud to secure billions of transactions every day and to help our clients anticipate emerging threats, including the transition to post-quantum cryptography. Security fosters trust, and we are committed to ensuring both,
Marc BERTIN, CTO of IDEMIA Secure Transactions.

¹ The IPSOS BVA survey conducted for IDEMIA Secure Transactions was carried out 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, among more than 3,300 people aged 15 and older. The survey’s representativeness was ensured using the quota method. The samples from each country were weighted according to gender, age, and region.