Credit and Debit Card Fraud Tops American Security Concerns Amid Widespread Cybersecurity Attacks, According to Unisys Security Index

Unisys survey shows customer loyalty drops following data breaches involving personal or credit card data

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May 13, 2014, 08:00 ET

BLUE BELL, Pa., May 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Credit and debit card fraud tops Americans' security concerns in 2014, against a recent backdrop of major retail and banking security breaches, according to the 2014 Unisys Security Index released today by Unisys Corporation (NYSE: UIS) in partnership with Lieberman Research Group.

This year, 59 percent of U.S. respondents are seriously concerned ("extremely" or "very" concerned) about other people obtaining and using their credit or debit card details, jumping from 52 percent in 2013, according to the report based on a survey of 1,005 Americans. Ranking second and third, respectively, on the list of top security concerns, 57 percent of Americans are seriously concerned about identity theft, and 47 percent are seriously concerned about national security in relation to war or terrorism.

Reflective of widespread concerns over financial security, nearly 60 percent of Americans surveyed say that a security breach involving their personal or credit card data would make them less likely to do business at a bank or store that they commonly use. Nearly 40 percent said they would not be likely to change how they shop or do business following such a breach.

"In today's hyper-connected world, people are wary of losing their financial and personal data to cybercrime, and it is crucial that businesses review and enhance their security measures on a continuous basis," said Dave Frymier, chief information security officer at Unisys. "Organizations that ignore the risk of data breaches do so at their peril, as brand reputation and customer loyalty often depend on a company's ability to protect personal information."

Table 1: 2014 ranking of U.S. consumer security concerns

Security Concern	2014 rank	Percentage of people "extremely" or "very" concerned (%)
Other people obtaining and using your credit or debit card details	1	59
Unauthorized access to or misuse of your personal information	2	57
The U.S.'s national security in relation to war or terrorism	3	47
The security of shopping or banking online	4	37
Computer security in relation to viruses or unsolicited emails	5	36
A serious health epidemic occurring in the U.S.	6	34
Ability to meet essential financial obligations	7	30
Overall personal safety over the next six months	8	25

Of the respondents, Americans with an annual income of $50,000 or less had the highest levels of concern about credit/debit card fraud and identity theft, with more than 60 percent being extremely or very concerned.

Overall U.S. Index results

On a scale of zero to 300, the overall U.S. Unisys Security Index scored at 123, a moderate level of concern. While the overall index has increased slightly from 2013, the last two surveys registered the lowest level of concern since the benchmark survey was inaugurated, after peaking in 2011.

"Most consumers have been insulated from major financial losses resulting from data breaches, because those losses are largely absorbed by businesses and financial institutions, " added Frymier. "That may explain the low levels of internet security concern – as well as the large segment of respondents who said they would not change their behavior as consumers as a result of data breaches."

Across all areas of security concerns, the 50 to 64 age group had the highest percentages of extreme concern, except for credit or debit card fraud, where the 25 to 34 age group had the highest level of concern. In addition, respondents with lower income and those living in the south tending to have the highest level of concern across all areas of security.

Compared to the other countries included in the index, the U.S. reported the eighth highest level of overall concern. The Netherlands had the lowest reported level at 66, while Mexico had the highest level of concern at 203.

Methodology

The U.S. Unisys Security Index is based on a telephone survey of 1,005 a random sampling of persons aged 18 and older, between March 14 and 17, 2014. This Wave 12 survey follows the baseline Security Index survey of August 2007 and 10 follow-up surveys from 2008 to 2013.

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. Lieberman Research Group conducted the survey in Latin America, Europe, Malaysia and the U.S.; Newspoll conducted the research in Australia and New Zealand. The Unisys Security Index surveys nearly 11,000 people in 12 countries: Australia, Brazil, Colombia, France, Germany, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. For more information, visit www.unisyssecurityindex.com.

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 specialize in helping clients secure their operations, increase the efficiency and utilization of their data centres, enhance support to their end users and constituents, and modernize 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 organizations and government agencies throughout the world. For more information, visit www.unisys.com.

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