Personal Security Fears Weigh On Aussies, Kiwis

"Newspoll" conducted a national survey of about 1,200 Australians on behalf of Unisys to determine the 'December Unisys Security Index'. According to the study, although general Australians are more content than they were three months ago, more than half are worried about the safety of their personal information.

After security fears became severe in September, worries about financial, Internet and personal security dipped but were still considerable. It is thus surprising that one out of every three persons are still using simple password techniques to protect their financial transactions, said Andrew Barkla, vice president and general manager, Unisys Asia Pacific. He said most people were unaware that they had been victims until quite a number of months after an incident. Mr. Barkla believes people are more scared about identity theft and card fraud because they practice banking, bill paying and shopping daily on the Internet.

As per the 'December Unisys Security Index', 55% of Australian respondents are 'very worried' or 'extremely concerned' about illegal access of misappropriation of their personal information. 53% are 'very or extremely worried' about slippage of their credit card and debit card details to other people.

New Zealanders are also experiencing likewise. Their biggest concern with security is credit card fraud, as per a similar survey by 'Unisys Security'. Nearly 60% of the people interrogated are either 'very concerned' or 'extremely concerned' about the arbitrary use of credit card details, says spokesman Graham Alston. However, the actual 'incidence level' is much lower than the world standards.

The index tells that in terms of security of online transactions, New Zealanders are 'marginally more concerned'. Since September, there has been an increase by 4% to a total of 36% of Kiwis being 'extremely or very concerned' about Internet transactions.

Brett Hodgson, managing director, 'Unisys New Zealand' says the findings from the survey help to make discussions in government, business and community about the transforming nature of security and the different types of responses.

The 'Security Index' directly questions respondents about their opinion of national security, financial security, Internet security and security of personal information.

Related article: Personal Information on Students Slip from Teacher’s PC onto Internet

» SPAMfighter News - 12/11/2006

3 simple steps to update drivers on your Windows PCSlow PC? Optimize your Slow PC with SLOW-PCfighter!Email Cluttered with Spam? Free Spam Filter!

Dear Reader

We are happy to see you are reading our IT Security News.

We do believe, that the foundation for a good work environment starts with fast, secure and high performing computers. If you agree, then you should take a look at our Business Solutions to Spam Filter & Antivirus for even the latest version of Exchange Servers - your colleagues will appreciate it!

Go back to previous page
Next