Consumer Security Fears Threaten High Street Shopping in Run up to Christmas
• Unisys survey reveals UK consumers very concerned over national security, as report by think-tank Demos warns that Government security effort is focused too heavily on terrorism
• Potential impact on High Street as online retailers set to benefit
• UK consumers warned over phishing and fraud dangers
London, England, 13th December, 2007 – A key survey by Unisys, the worldwide technology services and solutions company, has revealed that more than half (57%) of the British public is either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ concerned about national security threats to the UK. Including those who claimed to be ‘somewhat concerned’ the figure rises to 86%. In the run up to Christmas the statistics suggest retailers may see a lower then anticipated number of shoppers on the High Street as worried consumers turn to online shopping to avoid potential terrorist targets such as busy shopping centres.
The survey, conducted by ICR for Unisys, is part of the company’s ongoing study into attitudes to perceived security and questioned members of the pblic on their perceptions of national security as part of the UK’s involvement in the ‘War of Terror’. The findings follow a number of high-profile terrorist related events during 2007, such as the Scottish airport attack and attempted car bombings in London.
“Christmas is always a period where the public dreads the crush of the High Street and to add to the public psyche the perceived threat of a terrorist attack could significantly reduce the willingness of many to venture into our town and city centres for their shopping this year”, commented Neil Fisher, Vice President, Identity Management, Unisys. “Add to this the increased willingness of consumers to buy online and the temptation for the UK public to venture out for their Christmas shopping becomes much reduced and likely to be an important factor in declining retail High Street shopping this winter. These findings do not bode well for those retailers who do not have online presence and whose websites are poor.”
A recent report by the independent think-tank, Demos, has claimed that the UK Government is focusing too heavily on the threat of terrorism, to the determent of attention on other areas of crime affecting the country, such as organised crime. Additionally, recent findings by research firm Forrester predicted that online shopping will increase by 40% on the festive period of 2006, with Britons spending £13.6bn online . Britain will therefore be the biggest online spender in Europe. “Those looking to the internet to do their shopping must also be aware of the risks there too and because of the increase in online shopping, there are now significantly more people for the criminals to target,” added Fisher. “The fears over terrorist attack may lead consumers into the arms of fraudsters as people fail to ensure that retailers are using secure, reputable security software. Similarly people must be wary of how and to whom they give out their personal details – a complacent attitude to spending online could lead to the fraudsters having a very merry Christmas indeed, at your expense.”
The Unisys Security Index polled 952 adults across the UK and was carried out by telephone during August of 2007.
About the Unisys Security Index
Conducted regularly throughout the year, the Unisys Security Index provides compelling insight into the attitudes of global consumers on a wide range of security related issues. The global security index survey is being conducting with Independent Communications Research (ICR).
About Unisys
Unisys is a worldwide information technology services and solutions company. We provide high-level services in consulting, systems integration, outsourcing and infrastructure services, combined with powerful enterprise server technology. We specialise in helping organisations use information to create efficient, secure business operations that allow our clients to grow and achieve their business goals. Our consultants and industry experts work with clients to understand their business challenges and create greater visibility into critical linkages throughout their operations. For more information, visit www.unisys.com
Unisys is a registered trademark of Unisys Corporation. All other brands and products referenced herein are acknowledged to be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Contacts Nick Parker, Financial Dynamics, +44 207 831 3113
nick.parker@fd.com Claire Daplyn, Unisys, +44 1895 865735
claire.daplyn@unisys.com
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