There is a growing disconnect between how companies capitalize on customer data and how consumers expect their data to be used, according to a global online survey commissioned by RSA Security.

Consumer backlash in response to the numerous high-profile data breaches in recent years has exposed one of the hidden risks of digital transformation: loss of customer trust.

According to the study, which surveyed more than 6,000 adults across France, Germany, the United Kingdom and United States, less than half (48 percent) of consumers believe there are ethical ways companies can use their data, and 57 percent blame companies above anyone else, even a hacker, in the event of a data incident.