The Economic Crisis and Identity Theft

New Zealanders Believe the Global Economic Crisis will Make Them More at Risk of Identity Theft – Unisys Security Index

Majority of New Zealanders looking for more assurance that their personal, financial and other information is protected against fraud in troubling economic times

The majority of New Zealanders say they believe the current economic crisis will increase their level of risk when it comes to identity theft and related crime.

The results are from new research released as part of the Unisys Security Index™ which also found increased levels of concern held by New Zealanders on a range of issues including computer security, unauthorised access to personal information, the security of online transactions and credit and debit card fraud.

In the data released today, 67 percent of New Zealanders said they believed their personal risk level of identity theft and related crime would increase as a result of the global economic crisis. Only 3 percent of New Zealanders believe their level of risk would decrease.

“The global economic downturn is clearly starting to bite. The latest Unisys Security Index shows an increase in concerns about the security of online activities such as shopping and/or banking as well as growing concern about financial fraud; both issues which people perceive to be a greater risk in a declining economy,” said Mike Webber, Security spokesperson for Unisys New Zealand.

“These findings confirm our additional research which shows New Zealanders believe their own level of risk of identity theft and or related crime will increase as a result of the current economic problems,” he said.

When asked what impact they believed the global economic crisis might have on their own personal level of risk of identity theft and related crime, New Zealanders responded that they believed they would be more at risk:

• Greatly Increase – 14 percent
• Increase somewhat – 54 percent
• Not change – 27 percent
• Decrease somewhat – 2 percent
• Greatly decrease – 1 percent

“Regardless of the reality of actual risk, it is a time in which New Zealanders need greater overt assurances that their private and personal information is securely protected against fraudulent and criminal activity, to build confidence in the measures that are in place,” said Mr Webber.

About the Unisys Security Index
The Unisys Security Index provides a unique insight into the attitudes of New Zealanders on a wide range of security related issues. Developed in conjunction with market research firm Consumer Link the Unisys Security Index provides a regular, statistically robust measure gauging levels of concern about various aspects of security. The survey on which the latest New Zealand Unisys Security Index is based, was conducted nationally between 24 February – 2 March 2009 by Consumer Link using a nationally representative sample of 506 respondents aged 18 years and over. All results have been post-weighted to reflect the population using Statistics New Zealand 2006 Census of Population and Dwellings data. The study measures consumer perceptions on a scale of zero to 300, with 300 representing the highest level of perceived concern. For more information on the Unisys Security Index including additional resource material visit: www.unisyssecurityindex.co.nz

Unisys on Security
Organisations and governments today confront potential security threats that didn’t exist a decade ago. A nation’s sense of security is an important indicator of political, economic and consumer forces and their interdependence. Security threats are global and their effects impact individuals on a daily basis. Unisys approach to security goes beyond ‘bits and bytes’ recognising that the most effective solutions are going to be those formed through collaboration across interests.

For more information on Unisys security offerings visit: www.unisys.com.au/services/security/index.htm

ENDS

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