Most Kiwis Concerned about Data Breaches at Banks

News Release    

Most Kiwis Concerned about Data Breaches at Banks and Credit Card Companies – Unisys Security Index finds

The protection of personal data against accidental loss, theft or deliberate hacking is a key security issue for New Zealanders

WELLINGTON, 22 May 2013 – In the wake of recent high profile data breaches, the latest Unisys Security Index shows the majority of New Zealanders are concerned that a range of commercial and government organisations are vulnerable to data breaches, particularly financial institutions, telecommunication providers and government services.

The national survey of 505 adult New Zealanders conducted in April 2013 by Consumer Link, found three-quarters of respondents are concerned about an accidental or deliberate data breach of information held by banks or credit card companies and two in three people are similarly concerned about telecommunications providers and government services.

“The results show that New Zealanders are familiar with the risk of data breaches and are concerned about their potential impact across a range of industries and government departments,” said Steve Griffin, country manager, Unisys New Zealand.  “Only airlines and hotels recorded a result below 50 percent.  This likely reflects the priority individuals place on protecting what they consider to be high value data such as financial, taxation and medical details.”
“Recent data breaches such as the incident at the Earthquake Commission (EQC)1 where customer data was inadvertently sent to the wrong person, highlight that the risk of an accidental breach caused by human error is just as critical as the malicious threat of theft or deliberate hacking.  Organisations must therefore protect against internal threats using a combination of security policies, employee education (to make sure they understand how and why to comply with these policies) and technology solutions such as encryption,” Mr Griffin said.

“The Unisys Security Index results also send a message to governments and companies that the public perception of data security has been compromised by high profile breaches that have undermined public confidence. Organizations must take action to regain that trust,” said Mr Griffin.

Unisys Security Index shows decreasing security concerns across New Zealand
The overall Unisys Security Index score for New Zealand is 134 out of 300, down 10 points from 144 compared to March 2012.  Of the 12 countries where the research was conducted, New Zealand recorded the second largest decrease over this period, behind only the US.
Issues related to identity theft remain the top concern, with 56 percent of New Zealanders extremely or very concerned about unauthorised access to or misuse of their personal information, and 55 percent concerned about other people obtaining or using their credit/debit card details.
1Earthquake Commission Open letter to customers - http://www.eqc.govt.nz/news/an-open-letter-to-eqc-customers

About the Unisys Security Index
The Unisys Security Index is an annual global study that provides insights into the attitudes of consumers on a wide range of security related issues.  Conducted in New Zealand by 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 current New Zealand Unisys Security Index survey was conducted nationally between 9-15 April 2013 using a nationally representative sample of 505 respondents aged 18 years and over.  All results have been post-weighted to Statistics New Zealand census data.  The study measures consumer perceptions on a scale of zero to 300, with 300 representing the highest level of perceived concern.  The research was conducted across 12 countries:  Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Columbia, Germany, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, UK and US.  For more information on the Unisys Security Index including additional resource material visit: www.unisyssecurityindex.co.nz 

About Unisys
Unisys is a worldwide information technology company. We provide a portfolio of IT services, software, and technology that solves critical problems for clients. We specialise in helping clients secure their operations, increase the efficiency and utilisation of their data centres, enhance support to their end users and constituents, and modernise their enterprise applications. To provide these services and solutions, we bring together offerings and capabilities in outsourcing services, systems integration and consulting services, infrastructure services, maintenance services, and high-end server technology. With approximately 23,000 employees, Unisys serves commercial organisations and government agencies throughout the world. For more information, visit www.unisys.com.

About Unisys Asia Pacific
In Asia Pacific, Unisys delivers services and solutions through subsidiaries in Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, The Philippines, Singapore, and Taiwan  and through distributors or resellers in other countries in the region. 
For more information, visit www.unisys.co.nz.  Follow us on www.twitter.com/UnisysAPAC.

ENDS

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