New Acronis survey reveals: 64% of global consumers fear data breaches

In celebration of Data Privacy Day, Acronis, a global cybersecurity and data protection company, released the findings of its report “Data Privacy in 2025”, which explores consumer perceptions and practices regarding cyber protection, the survey covered more than 2,480 consumers in eight countries, including Brazil, and offers a detailed analysis of global attitudes on the topic.

Main highlights in Brazil

Brazilian users have stood out as the most aware and proactive regarding data protection compared to other nations.The country, however, also presents significant challenges:

• Importance attributed to data privacy: Brazilians gave an average score of 9.4 (on a scale of 0 to 10) for the importance of data protection 5 to the highest among all countries surveyed and above the global average of 8.6.
• Concern about data security: 9.3 is the global average score attributed to the level of concern for the security of personal information, while Brazil averaged 8.0.
• Protective practices above the global average:
  • 82% of Brazilians use strong passwords, compared to 68% in the rest of the world.
  • 34% checks the security of websites before providing personal information, while globally only 21% adopt this practice.
  • 56% prevents clicks on suspicious links or attachments, against a global average of 40%.
• High rates of data loss or theft: Despite the more rigorous practices, one third of Brazilians reported having suffered data loss or theft, up from the 25% registered globally.

Global context: growing concerns and significant gaps

Globally, the report revealed that 64% of respondents cited data breaches as their top privacy concern

• Backup practices: two-thirds of global consumers (66%) make regular backups, but 9% have not yet adopted this practice and 4% are unaware of the backup concept.
• Fragility in passwords: Although 68% uses strong passwords, only 46% enables two-factor authentication (2FA), an essential step in preventing unauthorized access.
• Cyber education on the rise: Learning about security through online videos is a trend, with 44% of global respondents turning to this feature.
• Delayed mobile security adoption: although 43% of respondents report using mobile security apps, 35% are unfamiliar with these tools, even as smartphones become essential to modern digital life. 
• Attitudes versus actions: while more than 60% rate data security as “very important”, only 40% frequently update their passwords and almost 70% continue to use public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities.

“Na Acronis, we see how corporate practices and individual behaviors shape the landscape of data privacy and cyber protection”, said Gaidar Magdanurov, President of Acronis.“We launched this research around Data Privacy Day to better understand how home users think about data protection and the steps they are taking to protect their information.”

The report highlights the importance of protecting personal information, revealing consumers' perception of digital risks and the need for greater education and accessible tools to strengthen cybersecurity.In its first year, it points out the contrast between growing knowledge about threats and the lack of proactive measures.On Data Privacy Day, Acronis encourages fundamental practices such as regular backups, two-factor authentication (2FA) and use of security applications.

“This inaugural consumer-focused survey, conducted by Acronis, highlights a critical paradox in modern cybersecurity: people are increasingly aware of the risks, but many still lack the tools or knowledge needed to effectively protect themselves”, said Gerald Beuchelt, CISO of Acronis.“Data communications are a top concern around the world, so there is an urgent need for simpler, more affordable cybersecurity solutions combined with data backup, and more effective education to empower people to protect their digital lives.”