Data: 59% of Americans Fear AI Could Hack Bank Accounts
In April 2024, the National Public Data breach exposed the personal information of billions — including Social Security numbers, addresses, and the names of siblings and parents — sounding alarms about possible identity theft [*].
Hackers have since released this data on the Dark Web, leaving Americans questioning whether their information is safe. Aura's latest survey explores how different generations feel about the biggest threats to their online safety, including data breaches, identity theft, and AI misuse.
In this report:
- Identity theft continues to be top of mind, even more so than data breaches.
- 59% of Americans fear that AI could hack into their bank accounts. Financial security remains a top fear, especially among older adults.
- While younger Americans are more anxious about hackers and social media risks, the older population is significantly more worried about identity theft and data breaches.
More findings from the survey, including detailed data breakdowns and the full methodology, are available in the complete report: Trick or Threat: A Report on America's Digital Worries (PDF).
Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Aura from September 24–26, 2024, among 2,088 adults aged 18 and over.
The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within ±2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level.
For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact media@aura.com.
Across Generations: Who Fears Hackers and Identity Theft Most?
Americans rank identity thieves (28%) as the top digital threat to their personal safety and security, with personal data breaches following closely at 25%. Interestingly, these fears vary across demographics.
Women (30%) express more concern about identity theft than men (25%). And, concern about identity thieves increases with age:
- Gen Z: 17%
- Millennials: 25%
- Gen X: 29%
- Baby Boomers: 34%
Younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are more likely to be unsettled about hackers and online scams compared to older age groups.
Concern about hackers:
- Gen Z: 26%
- Millennials: 22%
- Gen X: 14%
- Baby Boomers: 12%
Concern about online scams:
- Gen Z: 19%
- Millennials: 15%
- Gen X: 14%
- Baby Boomers: 8%
No Age Group Feels Safe About Financial Data
Across generations, individuals worry most about losing access to their financial records in a data breach. This concern grows with age:
- Gen Z: 48%
- Millennials: 53%
- Gen X: 69%
- Baby Boomers: 82%
These figures reflect a growing sense of vulnerability around financial data, especially among older adults who may feel less tech-savvy.
Gen Z and Millennials Guard Browsing Histories More Closely
Americans are uneasy about others accessing their browsing histories, with 65% fearing unauthorized access to this personal information. Notably, younger generations are more wary than older adults:
- Gen Z: 73%
- Millennials: 71%
- Gen X: 61%
- Baby Boomers: 58%
When it comes to who they are most concerned about accessing their internet history, survey respondents are particularly protective:
- Potential Employers: 36%
- Coworkers: 34%
- Friends: 31%
Interestingly, 39% of Gen X and 42% of Baby Boomers wouldn't have an issue with anyone accessing their browsing history.
Age Linked to Greater Fear of Data Collection
Most respondents (83%) are concerned about hackers stealing their private data, and 81% are similarly concerned about data companies collecting their personal information. Fear increases with age:
Very or somewhat worried about hackers:
- Gen Z: 74%
- Millennials: 82%
- Gen X: 85%
- Baby Boomers: 88%
Very or somewhat worried about data companies collecting personally identifiable information (PII):
- Gen Z: 72%
- Millennials: 77%
- Gen X: 83%
- Baby Boomers: 86%
AI Hacking Financial Accounts: Fear Highest Among Boomers
More than half of survey respondents (59%) worry that AI could hack their financial accounts and commandeer finances, with concern again increasing with age:
- Gen Z: 41%
- Millennials: 47%
- Gen X: 61%
- Baby Boomers: 76%
Gen Z and Millennials are more concerned about AI taking over their social media accounts or exposing their data online.
More findings from the survey, including detailed data breakdowns and the full methodology, are available in the complete report →
Fortify Your Online Footprint with Aura
Aura’s identity theft protection service alerts you whenever your credit card or online account numbers and SSN are at risk.
All plans come with Safe Browsing tools, a secure password manager, antivirus software, and always-on credit monitoring to keep your online identity and finances safe.
If the worst happens, Aura’s fraud remediation specialists can help you recover your identity and claim your identity theft insurance policy.
Related Resources
New Fidelity Data Breach: What To Do If You Were Affected
What To Do If Your Data Has Been Breached
New Data: Many Parents Unaware of the Apps Kids Are Using
About Us
Aura's digital security app provides the tools you need to protect yourself and your family from online scams, identity theft, and financial fraud.
With Aura, you get credit monitoring, identity theft protection, a VPN, a password manager, and antivirus — all in one place.