The results of the Cybersecurity Monitor 2026 indicate that cybercrime is a widespread issue in Germany. More than 27 percent of respondents reported having been affected by digital crimes at some point in their lives. The study is based on a survey of 3,060 individuals aged 16 and older, conducted in January 2026.
Online shoppers are particularly vulnerable, with 22 percent of respondents stating they have been defrauded while shopping online. Other common offenses include unauthorized access to online accounts (14 percent), online banking fraud (13 percent), and phishing attacks (12 percent).
The consequences for victims are severe: nearly 88 percent suffered damages, with one-third (33 percent) experiencing financial losses. Additionally, 29 percent reported a loss of trust in online services, and 23 percent mentioned lost time.
Despite the high incidence of cybercrime, the results show that many users feel inadequately protected. Over 55 percent of respondents consider their risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime to be low or nonexistent. Only 14 percent regularly seek information on cybersecurity.
The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has updated the study's data after incorrect information was disseminated in an earlier version. The study highlights the ongoing trend of carelessness regarding digital risks.
