Abstract
It’s true – wisdom does come with age! But, is wisdom enough? Security experts recommend that people take the following steps to protect their digital identity: freeze their credit; set up online access to, and frequently monitor, their bank and credit card accounts; and use unique passwords for all of their online accounts. Utilizing GfK’s nationally-representative online KnowledgePanel, this 2018 study asked 2,024 adults ages 18+ across the country about these behaviors in addition to other behaviors and views about their digital identity and online safety. Respondents were screened for their use of the Internet beyond serving on the panel. Findings show older adults (ages 50+) have a greater knowledge of the risks of being exposed to digital identity theft than younger adults (ages 18–49). They also are more likely than younger adults to report using unique passwords for all of their online accounts, order security freezes on their credit, and practice other safe behaviors while online. However, older adults are less likely than younger adults to engage in other behaviors that help guard against their exposure to identity theft, such as setting up online access to all of their bank and credit card accounts and frequent monitoring of these accounts. This is due to being more likely than younger adults to distrust the internet. Educating consumers of all ages about the risks of identity theft, as well as the steps that help guard against it, is key to safeguarding adults’ financial assets from identity fraud.