82% of French people say they are worried about the global risks of cyber-attacks

A strong feeling of concern about cyber risks

The study reveals that two out of three French people consider the risk of a nuclear disaster or industrial accident in France due to a cyber-attack to be significant. In a particularly uncertain geopolitical context, the French are worried about the global risks of cyber-attacks, a weapon that has become increasingly common in modern conflicts. 82% of French people say they are worried about this risk happening worldwide and 79% are worried about it happening in France.

The French are worried about the possible consequences of potential cyber-attacks, such as a possible paralysis of services, whether administrative services (72%) or emergency services (71%), as well as a potential power cut throughout the country (69%). To a lesser extent, they also fear the possibility of a nuclear or industrial disaster (66%), or a breakdown in the food supply chain (59%).

One in three French people have already been the victim of a successful internet hack

Far from being an abstract threat, the risks linked to cyber security concern a large number of French people. Many of them have experienced risky situations. Indeed, almost one in two French people (48%) have already been the subject of a hacking attempt. Almost one in three (31%) have been the victim of a successful attack. Among the possible risks, the prospect of having their bank details hacked on the Internet, resulting in theft seems particularly worrying (75% say they are worried about this possibility, including 47% who are very worried). Although attempts at identity theft are still in the minority (14% of French people say they have been a victim), 73% of French people questioned say they are worried about the rise of this phenomenon.

Disparate levels of trust depending on the players to whom the French entrust their data

While a majority of French people (56%) feel that they are poorly informed about how their data is used on the Internet, the study reveals a disparate level of trust in the actors to whom the French entrust their data. Institutional players appear to be more trustworthy, in particular health professionals (87%), banks (86%), tax authorities (85%) and the National Health Insurance system (85%).

On the other hand, online sales sites and telephone operators are only slightly trusted  (52% and 51% respectively), while search engines (42%) and above all social networks (21%) are trusted only to a very limited extent.

The French also admit to paying little attention when they go online: 78% of them say they do not read the general terms and conditions of use of the websites they visit. Similarly, 73% say they agree to give their personal data because they are required to do so in order to complete a purchase or registration.

Public authorities as a defence against cyber attacks

Although they are worried, the French see certain measures as a way of reassuring themselves in the face of cyber security risks. This is the case, first and foremost, with reinforced identity (e.g. two-factor authentication), the systematic implementation of which would reassure a majority of French people (64%). Another measure that could reassure the French is the creation of an objective confidence index, based on the “Nutriscore”* model, cited by 39% of respondents.

The French are also in favour of implementing measures to make the players who manage their data on a daily basis more accountable. 58% of them would like to see government measures put in place to oblige services and industry to strengthen their protection, while 44% are reassured by the prospect of an obligation for all companies to host the personal data of French people on servers located in France.

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Methodology: the survey was conducted from 23 to 24 March 2022 among 983 people, constituting a representative national sample of the French population aged 18 and over.

*The Nutriscore, also known as the 5-Colour Nutrition label or 5-CNL, is a five-colour nutritional label, and an attempt to simplify the nutritional rating system demonstrating the overall nutritional value of food products. This system was selected by the French Government in March 2017 to be displayed on food. It relies on the computation of a nutrient profiling system derived from the United Kingdom Food Standards Agency nutrient profiling system (FSA score)