Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has revealed that 84% of users store sensitive personal data digitally, highlighting growing reliance on electronic storage, according to new research released on World Backup Day.
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The study found that younger generations, particularly millennials and Gen Z, prefer digital storage for nearly all their data, while nearly one-third of respondents aged over 55 still rely on physical documents. Sensitive data stored electronically includes identification records, financial information, healthcare data, and personal photo archives.
In terms of storage methods, 56% of users rely on computers or hard drives, 45% use cloud services, and 20% depend on government digital platforms. Each method carries its own risks, ranging from physical damage and loss to cyber threats such as unauthorized access.
To improve data security, Kaspersky recommends adopting the widely used 3-2-1 backup strategy, which involves maintaining three copies of data, storing them on two different types of media, and keeping one copy off-site. Experts also advise using secure password management tools, such as Kaspersky Password Manager, to protect sensitive information including passwords and financial details.
The report notes that while 98% of users take some protective measures, about 36% still rely on simple, easy-to-remember passwords, leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Experts strongly recommend enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) and adopting passkey technology for enhanced security.
Kaspersky further advises users to automate backups through built-in services like iCloud, Google Drive, and OneDrive, and to regularly test backups to ensure data recovery works effectively.
Marina Titova, Vice President for Consumer Business at Kaspersky, emphasized that users should prioritize critical data and automate backups rather than attempting to secure everything at once, noting that “when you automate and prioritize, you protect what really matters without getting overloaded.
