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Identity theft is top security concern for UK residents, according to Unisys Security Index


  • 86% of respondents are worried about unauthorised access to, or misuse of their personal information - 61% are extremely or very worried

  • 84% of UK residents are nervous about the misuse of credit and debit card information - 59% are extremely or very nervous 

  • UK adults are not yet feeling the pinch of the credit crunch: 53% are unconcerned about meeting their financial obligations

  • Britons remain less concerned about security issues than US citizens and other Europeans

London, England, 20 May 2008 - A global survey by Unisys, the worldwide technology services and solutions company, reveals that identity theft and credit and debit card fraud are the primary sources of concern for UK consumers. According to the Unisys Security Index  86% of UK residents are worried about unauthorised access to or misuse of their personal information.

 

The survey exposes misuse of credit and debit card information to be the second greatest anxiety, with 84% of respondents registering unease. Its place at the top of the latest UK Security Index follows a series of high profile, data blunders over the past six months.

 

Conducted in March 2008, the Unisys Security Index is a global research project designed to help businesses and governments understand consumer attitudes towards a range of issues related to financial, personal, Internet and national security. Countries are awarded an index, from 0 - 300 depending upon their recorded level of concern, (0 = total unconcern: 300 = extreme concern).  Following a poll of 978 adults across the country, the UK was awarded an index of 117. This compares to the US, which received a rating of 151. The UK full report can be downloaded at www.unisyssecurityindex.com.

 

Financial security

Despite talks of a credit crunch and an impending recession, 53% of those surveyed remain unperturbed about their ability to meet their financial obligations. However, within the 18-24 year age bracket there is unease, with 44% of respondents admitting that they are concerned about meeting regular loan, credit card and bill payments.

 

"Identity theft and fraud is clearly an important and growing problem that is costing banks and the public a huge sum of money and distress. Consumers, governments and businesses need to address this growing problem, not least by being vigilant and taking measures to protect themselves," commented Neil Fisher, Vice President, Identity Management, Unisys. "The digital age is bundled up with a whole new set of threats. A healthy dose of caution is the best weapon in staving off identity theft and compromise."

 

Computer Security

The Unisys Security Index uncovers a complacent attitude towards computer security. Only 33% of UK residents are very concerned about computer security in relation to viruses and unsolicited emails and 38% are not concerned at all. Britons over the age of 55 have become particularly nonchalant about computer security, since the baseline survey was conducted in August 2007.

 

The public also has more confidence in the security of online shopping and banking. Only 33% of UK residents are extremely or very concerned with the security of their online transactions, which is a significant decline in comparison to the results of the baseline report. Amongst over 54 year olds, there is a significant increase in confidence in online shopping.

 

The Unisys Security Index indicates that there is some accuracy to the stereotype of Britons being unflappable and phlegmatic towards security issues.

 

Mobile payments

However, the Security Index shows that Britons remain apprehensive about the security of mobile phones and personal organisers to pay bills, bank or shop online. The report reveals that 80% are not disposed to using their mobile phone or personal organiser to conduct financial transactions. Only 5% of UK residents consider mobile devices to offer a very secure modality. "The take-up of mobile payments is predicted to grow exponentially over the next few years. These findings suggest that telecoms providers, banks and retailers will be challenged to convince the public of the security of this new method of payment," added Neil Fisher.

 

About the Unisys Security Index
The Unisys Security Index is an ongoing study that provides insights into the attitudes of global consumers on a wide range of security related issues. International Communications Research (ICR) conducted the survey in the U.S. and Europe; Newspoll conducted the research in Asia-Pacific. The Unisys Security Index surveys more than 13,296 people in 14 countries. The study measures consumer perceptions on a scale of zero to 300, with 300 representing the highest level of perceived anxiety. The Unisys Security Index includes consumers' opinions from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Holland, Hong Kong, Italy, New Zealand, Malaysia, Spain and the United Kingdom and United States. For more information, visit www.unisyssecurityindex.com

 

About Unisys
Unisys is a worldwide information technology services and solutions company. We provide consulting, systems integration, outsourcing and infrastructure services, combined with powerful enterprise server technology. We specialise in helping clients use information to create efficient, secure business operations that allow them to 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
Sara Downey, Brands2Life, +44 207 592 1200
sara.downey@brands2life.com

Melissa Gardiner, Unisys, +44 780 8392706
melissa.gardiner@unisys.com