The 2021 mail.com data security survey, conducted by YouGov with 1,326 U.S. respondents aged 18+, reveals major concerns regarding personal data security, particularly related to hacker attacks, online shopping fraud, and theft. Common protective measures include using secure passwords, two-factor authentication, and regular backups, though many Americans do not actively safeguard their digital data. The survey also highlights people's perceptions of spam emails, with most recognizing them as annoying and a potential security risk.

1. MAIL.COM DATA SECURITY
SURVEY 2021
The data used is based on an online survey conducted by YouGov Deutschland
GmbH, in which 1,326 people took part between June 10 and June 13, 2021.
The results were weighted and are representative of the U.S. population aged
18 and older.

2. Q: When you think about the security of your personal data - what are you particularly worried about in everyday life? Please select all that
apply.
Source: Representative survey conducted by YouGov Deutschland GmbH on behalf of mail.com; 1326 respondents aged 18+.
8%
6%
3%
22%
23%
23%
25%
26%
37%
38%
43%
46%
49%
52%
Don't know / no answer
I am not worried about the security of my personal data.
Other
Surveillance by foreign intelligence services
Theft of mail from my letterbox (e.g. mail being read by strangers, interception of PINs and TANs)
Surveillance by national intelligence services
Loss of my documents and photos in paper form due to fire damage in house or apartment
Burglary in my home (e.g. theft of important documents or credentials for bank accounts and
digital services)
Loss of my digital data (documents and photos) due to technical defect or viruses
Theft of my computer or smartphones with personal data
Online Shopping Fraud
Loss of my debit or credit card
Loss of control over my personal data on the Internet (e.g. disclosure of data by Internet services
or authorities)
Hacker attack on my main online accounts and profiles (e.g. email, social networks, banking)
Majority of U.S. Americans concerned about hacker attacks

3. Q: How do you protect your digital data? Please select all that apply.
Source: Representative survey conducted by YouGov Deutschland GmbH on behalf of mail.com; 1326 respondents aged 18+.
The most common security measures used by Americans
9%
4%
4%
11%
26%
28%
32%
34%
34%
41%
43%
44%
47%
47%
53%
57%
Don't know / no answer
Not applicable, I do not take any measures to protect my digital data.
Other
End-to-end encryption for e-mail (e.g. PGP)
Thrift in the disclosure of personal information (e.g. in online profiles of social networks)
Regular backups with the most important files
Regularly check the privacy settings of smartphone apps (e. g. access of apps to my personal
profile)
Securing key online accounts with two-factor authentication
Activation of security settings in the Internet browser
Regular updates of operating systems, software, etc.
Not using unknown public Wi-Fi
Securing your Wi-Fi with encryption and a secure password
Virus scanners and/or firewall
Careful handling of incoming e-mails in case of suspected phishing or viruses
Not using suspicious Internet pages/links
Use of secure passwords

4. Q: Which statement(s) do you agree with? Spam emails ...
Source: Representative survey conducted by YouGov Deutschland GmbH on behalf of mail.com; 1326 respondents aged 18+.
Underestimated email risks
7%
5%
7%
8%
25%
48%
69%
Don't know / no answer
I do not agree with any of the statements.
... I read regularly.
... sometimes contain valuable health or fitness tips.
... are often difficult to distinguish from real newsletters or serious
correspondence.
... pose a security risk to my data.
... are annoying.

5. Q: How do you usually handle spam emails that arrive in your inbox?
Source: Representative survey conducted by YouGov Deutschland GmbH on behalf of mail.com; 1326 respondents aged 18+.
Only 24 percent train spam filters
6%
1%
2%
5%
6%
13%
24%
42%
Don't know / no answer
Other
I forward them to my email provider.
I get little to no spam in my inbox, it doesn't bother me.
I leave spam in my inbox and ignore it.
I unsubscribe from spam emails – e.g. via "unsubscribe" links in the
email or by replying with 'Unsubscribe'.
I move them to my spam folder or mark them as spam.
I just delete spam.

6. Data
Survey period: June 10-13, 2021
Sample: 1,326 respondents, representative of the population by age 18+
Background:
The survey is based on online interviews with participants of the YouGov Panel.
Results were weighted and are representative of the U.S. population aged 18 and older.
Survey: YouGov Deutschland GmbH
Client of the study: mail.com