A new global study has revealed that a vast majority of people now store their most sensitive personal information in digital formats, highlighting both the convenience and rising security concerns tied to modern data habits.
According to findings released by Kaspersky, 84 per cent of respondents keep critical data such as identification documents, financial records, medical information and personal photos electronically. The report, published ahead of World Backup Day, underscores a growing dependence on digital storage across all age groups.
Brandspur Tech News Desk reports that younger generations, particularly millennials and Gen Z users, are leading the shift towards fully digital storage lifestyles, while nearly one in three individuals aged 55 and above still rely on physical documents for safekeeping.
The study further shows that 56 per cent of users prefer storing important files on personal computers or external hard drives, while 45 per cent utilise cloud-based platforms. Additionally, 20 per cent of respondents depend on government-backed digital services to manage sensitive information.
Despite the widespread adoption of digital storage, cybersecurity experts warn that no single method guarantees complete safety. Physical storage devices remain prone to loss or damage, while cloud systems, though accessible, can be exposed to unauthorised access if not properly secured.
To address these risks, Kaspersky recommends adopting a structured data protection approach. Central to this is the widely recognised “3-2-1” backup strategy, which involves maintaining three copies of important data, storing them on two different media types, and keeping at least one copy off-site, typically in the cloud.
The report also highlights weak password practices as a major vulnerability. While 98 per cent of respondents claim to use some form of protection, about 36 per cent still rely on easily memorable passwords, increasing exposure to cyberattacks. Experts advise enabling two-factor authentication and adopting newer technologies such as passkeys for stronger protection.
Automation is another key recommendation, with users encouraged to enable built-in backup systems on their devices to ensure regular data protection without manual effort. Periodic testing of backups is also advised to confirm data can be successfully restored when needed.
Kaspersky’s Vice President for Consumer Business, Marina Titova, noted that many users fail to back up their data effectively because they attempt to secure everything at once. She emphasised the importance of prioritising critical files and automating backup processes to reduce complexity and improve consistency.
The research was conducted in November 2025 and surveyed 3,000 participants across 15 countries, reflecting global trends in data storage behaviour and cybersecurity awareness.
