Whether shopping, online banking, chatting, or sharing photos, we are spending more and more of our lives in the digital world and sharing increasing amounts of personal data online.
With this convenience comes risk: While our digital activities bring many benefits, they also create new threats. Criminals are operating in the cyber world, targeting personal data to steal identities and commit fraud and other crimes.
Digital crime and identity theft are increasing and are expected to continue growing in the years ahead. In Germany, according to the BSI Cybersicherheitsmonitor 2026, more than one in 4 internet users (27%) have experienced cybercrime at least once, compared with 22% in the previous year.
Key datapoint
27%
More than one in 4 internet users have experienced cybercrime at least once.
In Germany, according to the BSI Cybersicherheitsmonitor 2026, this figure rose from 22% in the previous year.
Our personal data is tracked, analyzed, and sold online, creating new opportunities for identity thieves. We trust companies with our data, but sometimes those companies experience hacks or data breaches.
Consumers are looking for solutions that give them greater control over their personal information and stronger security. SquareTrade empowers you to understand where your personal data exists online, raises awareness, and provides tools to help you protect it.
Security Essentials
Protect Your Personal Data
Identity theft occurs when criminals gain access to your personal information, such as email accounts, online banking credentials, social media profiles, or other sensitive data, and use it without your permission.
Criminals may impersonate you to carry out illegal activities, including making unauthorized purchases, opening new accounts in your name, or providing identification for financial services (e.g., loans). Especially when multiple pieces of private information are exposed and linked, the consequences can be both financially and emotionally damaging.
Protecting your identity is an increasingly important part of staying safe online.
