  This paper investigates the digital security experiences of four at-risk user
groups in Germany, including older adults (70+), teenagers (14-17), people with
migration backgrounds, and people with low formal education. Using
computer-assisted telephone interviews, we sampled 250 participants per group,
representative of region, gender, and partly age distributions. We examine
their device usage, concerns, prior negative incidents, perceptions of
potential attackers, and information sources. Our study provides the first
quantitative and nationally representative insights into the digital security
experiences of these four at-risk groups in Germany. Our findings show that
participants with migration backgrounds used the most devices, sought more
security information, and reported more experiences with cybercrime incidents
than other groups. Older adults used the fewest devices and were least affected
by cybercrimes. All groups relied on friends and family and online news as
their primary sources of security information, with little concern about their
social circles being potential attackers. We highlight the nuanced differences
between the four at-risk groups and compare them to the broader German
population when possible. We conclude by presenting recommendations for
education, policy, and future research aimed at addressing the digital security
needs of these at-risk user groups.
