The Security Gap That's Leaving Your Customers Exposed

Estimated Reading Time: 6 Minutes

In our hyper-connected world, consumers face an uncomfortable reality. Despite having access to more security tools than ever before, they still don’t feel safe. Recent research from Iris Powered by Generali’s Identity & Cybersecurity Concerns Survey illustrates this reality:

85% of consumers worry about their devices being hacked
88% fear password compromise
80% worry about their children being cyberbullied

Further, a staggering 62% of U.S. consumers became victims of cybercrime last year.

So why, with cybersecurity solutions seemingly everywhere, are consumers still feeling so vulnerable

Let’s explore the potential risks associated with piecemeal protection, how companies can go beyond the standard post-data breach package, and the true cost of fragmented security. Brands have an opportunity to deliver comprehensive identity and cyber protection where consumers already are – in the digital environments and mobile apps they use the most.

Key Takeaways

Fragmented identity and cyber protection leave consumers vulnerable – Most people use isolated tools (credit monitoring, VPNs, or password managers), which are good at protecting or alerting on a specific situation; however, on their own, these tools don’t provide the comprehensive protection consumers need against today’s cyber threats.
Reactive post-data breach packages fall short – Temporary monitoring solutions after data breaches create a false sense of security. Consumers need continuous, always-on protection.
The cost of fragmented protection is high – Confusing user experiences, protection gaps, and inconsistent coverage across multiple devices and family members increase consumers’ frustration, which in turn makes them less likely to use the tools, opening them up to higher risk.
Businesses can stand out in the market with embedded, integrated consumer data protection – By embedding identity and cyber protection into existing customer experiences, companies – insurance companies, financial institutions, technology providers, retailers, etc. – can build trust, close security gaps, and provide seamless, comprehensive protection.

Is Piecemeal Protection Really a Problem?

The consumer identity theft and cyber protection marketplace has evolved in silos, creating a fragmented landscape that has left critical gaps in consumers’ defenses. While 82% of consumers have access to at least one identity protection component – whether credit monitoring (48%), password manager (45%), or VPN (31%) – these isolated solutions do not provide the comprehensive identity theft protection coverage today’s threat landscape demands.

This fragmented method of identity data protection isn’t just inconvenient – it leaves consumers wholly vulnerable to data compromise, stolen funds, scams, and fraud. Think about it: 75% of cyberattacks are now malware-free. This suggests that cyber attackers are relying on sophisticated phishing, social engineering, and credential theft tactics that traditional security measures often miss.

Meanwhile, AI-powered threats are making scams more convincing and attacks more efficient, creating a perfect storm of vulnerability for your customers. Furthermore, data brokers that collect and store your customers’ identifying information will later sell their contact information (including email addresses, social security numbers, biometric data, financial information, etc.) – all unbeknownst to the individual consumer.

Beyond the Post-Data Breach Package

Many businesses have adopted a reactive security approach, offering temporary monitoring services only after a data breach occurs. These “apology packages” often create a false sense of security for consumers, leaving windows of opportunity for cybercriminals who are happy to wait out the monitoring period.

Your customers want better damage control. They need comprehensive, always-on identity and cyber protection that evolves with the threat landscape.

Download our whitepaper to discover why today's fragmented approach isn't working — and how your organization can be part of the solution.

The True Cost of Fragmented Security

The average U.S. household with internet access has 17 connected devices, according to Parks Associates. Despite this hyper-connection, the disconnected nature of today’s security solutions creates multiple pain points for the everyday individual:

Consumer confusion: With 71% of people finding cybersecurity too complex, navigating multiple security tools becomes overwhelming.
Identity protection coverage gaps: Monitoring credit but ignoring dark web monitoring needs, leveraging anti-malware solutions but not protecting internet-connected devices, leaves vulnerabilities exposed.
Poor user experience: Managing separate logins, interfaces, and renewal dates for various security tools reduces engagement and effectiveness.
Inconsistent protection: Different family members may have (or need) varying levels of security, creating household vulnerabilities.

The Opportunity for Comprehensive Identity Theft Protection

Here’s where forward-thinking businesses can differentiate themselves: by offering truly integrated personal data security solutions that protect devices, data, and identities through a single, seamless experience.

Modern comprehensive protection should include:

Device Protection with antivirus scanning and firewall capabilities
Browser Protection for safe web browsing and banking
Virtual Private Network (VPN) for encrypted internet connections
Password Management with secure storage and generation capabilities
Comprehensive Monitoring covering credit, dark web activity, social media, home titles, and high-risk transactions
Identity Fraud Resolution Services and insurance coverage for when fraud incidents occur and the covered entities need to be made whole again

A Smarter Approach: B2B2C Integration with Embedded Identity Protection

Rather than asking your customers to manage yet another vendor relationship, smart brands are embedding comprehensive security directly into their existing customer experiences. This B2B2C approach leverages the trust you’ve already built while providing the robust protection your customers need.

The key is flexibility – choosing solutions that allow you to craft bespoke protection programs designed specifically for your unique audience. This means having control over:

How protection is delivered (branded portals vs. API or SDK integration)
User access methods (SSO, promo codes, member ID, seamless enrollment)
Data storage preferences based on your risk tolerance
Identity protection solutions based on your audience’s specific needs

The brands that will thrive in this hyper-connected world are those that recognize a fundamental truth: comprehensive security can’t be an afterthought – it must be a built-in promise to consumers.

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated daily, the responsibility for protection shouldn’t fall solely on consumers navigating a maze of fragmented solutions. Instead, businesses across every industry have both the opportunity and responsibility to embed seamless security into the everyday experiences they deliver.

Making Security Second Nature

Iris’ new whitepaper, “Protecting Consumer Data in a Hyper-Connected World,” dives deep into these challenges and presents a path forward through integrated solutions like Personal Web Defense. Businesses can offer full protection through Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. By offering Personal Web Defense along with critical identity protection solutions, companies can provide their customers with the peace of mind they actively seek.

When protection becomes seamless and second nature, we move closer to a world where security isn’t just a feature – it’s a guarantee. The question isn’t whether your customers need comprehensive protection; it’s whether your business will be the one to provide it.