News Release
Top Security Issues For New Zealanders
For two years New Zealanders have consistently ranked identity theft and financial fraud as top two security issues
Yet almost 24% of people use easy to remember numbers like a birth date for their PIN
For the last two years New Zealanders have consistently ranked identity theft and financial fraud as the top two
security issues that concern them, according to trend analysis of Unisys Security Index™ findings, released to coincide
with Privacy Awareness Week.
The results of the first Unisys Security Index were reported in September 2006, at which time 54 percent of those
surveyed said they were extremely or very concerned about unauthorized access to or misuse of their personal
information. The most recent Unisys Security Index of May 2008 found:
An estimated 1.3 million New Zealanders are extremely or very concerned about other people obtaining or using
their credit card details .
An estimated 1.4 million New Zealanders are extremely or very concerned about unauthorised access to / or misuse
of their personal information .
Approximately 100,000 New Zealanders are extremely or very concerned about computer security.
Despite this high level of concern about threats to privacy, New Zealanders can do more themselves to protect their own
information. Additional research, carried out in conjunction with the Unisys Security Index, found that individuals
often make it easy for their private data to be stolen: nearly 1 in 3 New Zealanders said they never destroy bank or
credit card statements before throwing them into the rubbish; 1 in 3 said that they never read privacy policies; and
almost 1 in 4 used an easy-to-remember figure such as their birth date when asked to select a PIN .
“We’ve known for some time that New Zealanders are more concerned about identity related crime than they are about other
security issues,” said Mike Webber, Manager Enterprise Security (Asia Pacific) for Unisys Corporation.
“Both public and private sector organisations are already investing in security and protection of customer details and
other sensitive information. This is driven not only by the need to comply with legislative requirements, but also the
recognition that consumer confidence and trust are key operational issues.
“What the high level of community concern shows us is that people want to be kept informed about the investments being
made in security and why. Organisations need to be vigilant about educating consumers and creating awareness to support
security initiatives. The pay-back comes with knowing that with the community appetite for security comes a greater
willingness to embrace new privacy-enhancing measures.
“Of course there is only so much that an organisation can do to protect an individual’s privacy. Ultimately some very
important steps are those that people need to take themselves to avoid being an easy target,” said Mr Webber.
Tips for individuals to protect their private data:
Always read and check your credit card and bank statements
Make sure that you can account for any expense on your credit card or bank statement, no matter how minor. It can often
take victims’ months or even years to finally detect that they are being defrauded.
Regularly check your credit history report
Checking your own credit history is a simple way to catch financial fraud in its infancy
By regularly requesting an updated credit report you will be able to identity unauthorised activity undertaken in your
name as early as possible.
Destroy sensitive documents
The sad fact is that ID Theft and financial fraud often begins in the rubbish. Paper statements provide important
information about you, your address, your accounts and your bank balances – everything needed by a thief.
Get your statements electronically
Why not opt for electronic statements instead of having paper ones mailed to your home? That way you can check your
balances and other financial information without having to dispose of them.
Lock your Mail Box
Keeping your mailbox locked is a first line of defence against financial fraud and identity theft. Stolen mail remains
one of the most prevalent means by which identity theft occurs.
Know when mail hasn’t arrived
Knowing when important bills and statements arrive each month is an easy way of detecting mail theft or redirection when
it starts. Make a note of when credit card bills, bank statements, mortgage loans and other important financial
correspondences normally arrives, and check with your financial institution if you don’t receive them.
Always know who you are giving information to
Always insist on identity verification from people seeking your personal information.
Be aware that ID Thieves often gain important personal information from victims over the phone or internet.
ends