As big brand data breaches continue to make the headlines, nearly half (48 per cent) of global consumers now expect to be affected by a data breach in the future, with over half (55 per cent) stating that companies are not doing enough to protect their data online.

The research, conducted by OpSec Security among 2,600 consumers, found that 30 per cent had already fallen victim to a breach - a seven per cent increase compared to last year.

In fact, 46 per cent of data breach victims have been contacted by brands about their data being compromised two to five times, while nine per cent have been contacted more than five times.

The research also revealed that only nine per cent of all those who had fallen victim to phishing schemes had any money returned.

Almost half (47 per cent) of consumers are concerned about using their credit card to make online purchases, with worries stemming from the possibility of hackers stealing their personal details (62 per cent), scammers stealing their money (58 per cent) and identity theft (57 per cent).

Bill Birnie, senior vice president of OpSec Security, said: “The frequency which data breaches are occurring is leaving many consumers desensitised.

“However, this desensitisation is often also paired with the expectation that organisations will have the protections in place to safeguard personal data and credit card details, and that the consumer will be reimbursed for any resulting monetary losses.”

Despite this, large-scale data breaches are continuing to damage brands though, as 64 per cent of victims have lost trust in the company or brand that lost their data.

Earlier this month, the Information Commissioner’s Office fined British Airways £20 million - its biggest fine levied so far - for failing to protect the personal and financial details of more than 400,000 customers. That breach took place in June 2018.

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