Young Canadians Less Responsive to Data Breach Alerts
A recent survey reveals that many Canadians, especially the youth, are slow to act on data breach notifications, posing risks for identity theft.
Ignoring Notifications: A Risky Trend
A new survey has shed light on the alarming attitude of many Canadians towards data breaches. Despite knowing the potential risks of identity theft and fraud, a significant number of individuals—especially among the youth—are not responding as promptly as they should when they receive notifications about compromised personal data.
Youth vs. Older Canadians
The survey, which targeted over 1,500 Canadians aged 18 and older, highlighted a striking generational divide. One in five young Canadians, specifically those aged 18 to 34, indicated they would likely disregard a data breach notification until they noticed unusual activity in their accounts. In contrast, only 11 percent of those 55 years and older shared this sentiment.
On a national scale, 14 percent of all respondents admitted they would adopt a passive approach towards breach notifications. Interestingly, while two-thirds of Canadians are likely to inform their bank or financial institution upon receiving such notices (66 percent), less than half (44 percent) would change their password right away. Even fewer—24 percent—would take the initiative to notify a credit bureau to set up a fraud alert.
Experts Weigh In
Experts, including Howell, caution consumers against this wait-and-see attitude. “One of the biggest mistakes consumers make is assuming that nothing needs to be done until suspicious activity appears,” Howell stated. “It's vital to take breach notifications seriously. By acting swiftly to secure your accounts, you can significantly reduce your risk of identity theft and fraud.”
Recommended Cybersecurity Practices
Equifax Canada is promoting proactive cybersecurity measures for consumers. They advise regularly checking one’s credit report and using strong, unique passwords alongside multi-factor authentication. It's also essential to independently verify any unexpected communications before divulging personal information.
For those looking to enhance their security knowledge, Equifax offers resources on cybersecurity, encouraging individuals to consider subscription services like Equifax Complete Protection for added security.
Survey Overview
The Equifax Canada Cybersecurity and Financial Literacy Omnibus survey, conducted by Leger from October 9 to 11, 2026, involved a probability sample of 1,525 Canadian adults aged 18 and older. This sample size has a margin of error of ±2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
About Equifax
Equifax, based in Atlanta, is a global leader in data, analytics, and technology. With nearly 15,000 employees across 24 countries, their mission is to assist various entities—including financial institutions and government bodies—in making informed decisions confidently. Visit Equifax.ca for more information.