National Security and Data Safety are Top Concerns for the UK, Unisys Survey ShowsFindings reveal how regions, sexes and ages differ over fears for national security, personal data safety, phishing and fraud
London, England, 24th October , 2007 – Despite concerns over national security, economic uncertainty, use of our private details by fraudsters and the phenomenon of phishing, the UK remains only ‘moderately’ worried about key issues and factors of every day life, the Unisys Security Index survey has revealed. The survey, conducted in August 2007 by Unisys, the worldwide technology services and solutions company, as part of the company’s ongoing study into attitudes to perceived security, reveals that fears of terrorist attack and the misuse of personal data are of most concern to Britons, with online fraud and phishing cited third and fourth most worrying. When viewed as a whole however, the findings only rate the UK public as being ‘moderately’ concerned about all of these issues. The Unisys Security Index is published three times a year and 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. The first stage of the inaugural U.K. survey polled 952 consumers on how they feel about these key issues. The Security Index assesses security on a scale of 0 to 300, with 300 representing the highest level of perceived anxiety. The UK’s overall reading measured 138, indicating a moderate level of concern overall within the country. By topic, the highest point score was for Personal Security (149), followed by National Security (144), Financial (141) and Internet security (118). Personal & National Security Following a period in August 2007 of heightened vigilance and high profile terrorist attacks and plots, the survey showed that 57% of respondents admitted to feeling either extremely or very concerned about the security of the United Kingdom, with only 13% admitting to not being concerned at all. In terms of gender, the worry is shared almost equally across the sexes, with 54% of men claiming to be ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ concerned, compared to 60% of women. In terms of personal safety and perceptions of security on the streets, only 39% of those polled declared themselves as being either extremely or very concerned for their personal safety over the coming 6 months. The figure rises to 62% when respondents were questioned about fears over the misuse of personal information however, suggesting worries over ‘cloning’ and impersonation are more acute concerns than mugging or personal attack. Financial & Online Worries The growth in use of online shopping and banking have brought with them concerns over online security, with 67% reporting to be ‘somewhat’, ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ concerned about the threat of computer security, re’ viruses and security issues arising from unsolicited emails. The figures for those not concerned were notably high in the IT savvy 25-34 age range (26%) and the silver-surfer bracket of 55-64 year olds (33%). Those in middle age are the most worried about credit card fraud, with youngsters decidedly less so. Amongst the 45-54 year old bracket of respondents, 68% admitted to being ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ concerned. This figure is only slightly lower for the ‘silver-surfer’ age range of 55-64 year olds, at 67% but the figure for 25-34 year olds is comparably lower, at 54%. Neil Fisher, Vice President, Identity Management, Unisys, commented, “The Unisys Security Index provides a telling insight into what is concerning the British most and provides valuable information for Government and private industry on the fears we have and which issues to address. “That national security dominates the findings is perhaps no surprise given the attacks we witnessed in Glasgow and the ensuing closure of airports at a time when many were hoping to get away on holiday, both at the time this poll was undertaken. The threat of terrorist attack remains high on the agenda for the media, which will keep it very much front-of-mind with the public. “Similarly worries around ‘phishing’ and the misuse of data, as well as debit and credit card fraud, remain high in the national consciousness, reflecting greater awareness of data abuse, a topic covered extensively over the year in the press. “The data we received about online fraud was also interesting with older Internet users more concerned with the security of their details held online than younger generations. Those under 35 definitely need to be more savvy to the dangers of online fraud, maybe taking a leaf from the book of their ‘silver-surfing’ peers”, he concluded. The Unisys Security Index polled 952 adults across the UK. Interviews were carried out by telephone during August of 2007. About the Unisys Security Index Conducted three times a 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). For further information on the Security Index visit http://www.unisys.com/services/enterprise__security/security__index/index.htm 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
Claire Daplyn, Unisys,
Nick Parker / Adam Barber, Financial Dynamics, |
