Identity Theft, Financial Fraud Remain Top Concerns for Consumers

The Unisys Security Index presents a social indicator that measures consumer concern in relation to four areas of security: national, financial, Internet and personal safety. Unisys conducted the first global research in August 2007, as part of a bi-annual study to gauge consumer sentiment about security issues in 14 countries. The current research includes responses from 13,296 people, polled between March and April 2008.

Compared to last year, the Unisys Security Index declined three points to 134, representing a moderate level of overall concern about security issues worldwide. (The Unisys Security Index measures consumer sentiment on a scale of zero to 300, with 300 representing the highest level of perceived anxiety). Fears about identity theft and financial fraud also were the top concerns in August 2007.

Within the four specific areas studied, the current results show overall concern about financial security ranks the highest (143 out of 300), followed by personal security and national security (tied at 138), and Internet security (118). Other key findings include:

Compared to 2007 global findings, the current Unisys Security Index again shows that consumer concern is highest in Asia - specifically Hong Kong (189), Singapore (176), and Malaysia (164) – as well as the growing economy of Brazil (169).

“Such drastic differences among regions proves that security is a local issue, despite the many threats that extend across geographic borders without discrimination,” said Tim Kelleher, vice president, Enterprise Security at Unisys. “People’s perceptions, concerns and needs are directly influenced by cultural norms, and the manner in which security is or is not managed by governments, businesses and other key local influencers.”

In addition to the common fears worldwide regarding identity theft and financial fraud, another one of the few consistencies among all regions is the apparent lack of concern about using the Internet to shop, bank and email. The data indicates that concern about Internet security has taken a back seat to other areas studied, such as issues related to financial well-being and the protection against bank card fraud.

With the exception of Germany – where respondents express high concern about computer viruses, spam and the security of online shopping – every other country shows only low to moderate unease about Internet security. Interestingly, while consumers worldwide generally exhibit fewer fears about shopping online as compared to other security issues, companion Unisys research shows significant apprehension remains for newer technologies such as using a mobile device for conducting financial transactions.

“Internet security threats obviously still exist, so complacency about shopping and banking online and protection against computer viruses is an area we need to watch closely,” Kelleher said. “Companies and consumers alike need better security education so they can take the necessary steps to protect their data, particularly as the world becomes more reliant on the Web and other electronic channels.”

To access the global report of the current Unisys Security Index, see http://www.unisyssecurityindex.com/download-reports.asp. Unisys will release the next results in Fall 2008.