Security Index Records its Second Highest Result

New Zealand’s Unisys Security Index Records its Second Highest Result in More Than Two Years

Significant increases in all four areas of security concern as overall Unisys Security Index rises 15 points

New Zealand has recorded its highest Unisys Security Index™ since December 2007 and the second highest result since the Index was launched in New Zealand in September 2006.

The April 2009 Unisys Security Index recorded a significant 15 point increase to stand at 124 out of 300.

“The first Unisys Security Index for 2009 has recorded large increases in the level of concern held by New Zealanders on key security issues and is now 24 points higher than it was in May 2008,” said Mike Webber, Security spokesperson for Unisys New Zealand.

“New Zealanders are expressing higher levels of concern at the start of 2009, particularly on questions relating to computer security, unauthorised access to personal information, security of online transactions and credit and debit card fraud.

“In addition, more than half of New Zealanders, 58 percent or an estimated 1.8 million people, are to some degree concerned about their ability to meet essential financial obligations such as mortgages, loans and credit card payments.

“The results from the latest Unisys Security Index reinforce findings in additional research conducted by Unisys which shows the majority of New Zealanders believe their own level of risk of identity theft and related crime will increase due to the global economic crisis,” Mr Webber said.

In the April 2009 Unisys Security Index, increased concern was expressed by New Zealanders across all four areas of security:

• National Security increased 10 points to 106
• Financial Security increased 14 points to 137
• Internet Security increased 18 points to 129
• Personal Security increased 15 points to 123

New Zealanders recorded higher levels of concern in all eight security questions with the largest increases recorded in the following:

• 9 percent increase in those extremely/very concerned about computer security in relation to viruses and emails
• 9 percent increase in those extremely /very concerned about unauthorised access to or misuse of personal information
• 8 percent increase in those extremely or very concerned about the security or shopping and/or banking online
• 7 percent increase in those extremely/very concerned about other people obtaining and using their credit card details

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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