Unisys Research Shows Economic Crisis Increases Americans’ Fears about Fraud and ID Theft

Financial security fears spike and now rank as #1 concern in Unisys Security Index; National security concerns hit all-time low

BLUE BELL, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--According to research conducted in late February by Unisys Corporation (NYSE: UIS), the vast majority of Americans (nearly 75 percent) believe that the current world financial crisis has increased their risk for experiencing identity theft or related fraud crimes, and more than one-quarter believe the current crisis raises that risk substantially.

“Banks and businesses need to understand that customers are more wary than ever about using services that may compromise their personal data”

The research, conducted with the latest Unisys Security Index, also confirms that most people are much more worried about their financial security, which saw a 12 percent spike when compared to results polled in September 2008. This concern now ranks as Americans’ number one security fear for the first time since Unisys began the global study in 2007. Conversely, the current data also shows the lowest level of concern about national security issues among U.S. consumers.

Additionally, more than two thirds of Americans are extremely or very concerned about other people obtaining and using their credit or debit card details, with 90 percent at least somewhat concerned.

“The economy’s pervasive effects go well beyond job losses and home foreclosures. Our data shows most people see an immediate, personal risk from greater fraud. Yet criminals see this risk as an opportunity, and new social engineering fraud schemes can tap into peoples’ fears,” said Tim Kelleher, vice president and general manager, Managed Security Services, Unisys. “Consumers, businesses and governments alike all need to take greater precautions. Our research may provide insight for enterprises to consider when communicating about security concerns and delivering services to their customers.”

The Unisys Security Index is a bi-annual global study of consumer opinion on four areas of security: financial, national, Internet and personal safety. The results were tallied on a scale of 0-300, with 300 representing the highest level of perceived concern. More than 1,000 Americans responded to the latest survey conducted from February 20-22, 2009. The average score of 147 for the current Unisys Security Index for the United States indicates a moderate level of overall security concern.

Additional findings from the latest U.S. results of the Unisys Security Index include:

• Credit and debit card fraud is now the primary security concern for Americans. More than two-thirds of respondents (68 percent) are either extremely or very concerned. The proportion of Americans indicating no concern is at the lowest level since Unisys began the global study.
• Only 25 percent of Americans have no concern about meeting their financial obligations. More than half of all Black Americans and Hispanic Americans polled are extremely or very concerned with meeting their financial obligations. In particular, almost three-quarters of Black Americans (74 percent) are concerned.
• Older Americans and Americans with higher salaries are less concerned about meeting financial obligations than younger Americans and Americans with lower salaries.
• Two-thirds of Americans (66 percent) are seriously concerned about unauthorized access to or misuse of personal information. Overall, the levels of concern on this issue have remained relatively high and constant since the first global study in August 2007.
• The percentage of Americans extremely or very concerned about war or terrorism dropped to the lowest level for all surveys in the Unisys Security Index series.

In addition, computer security remains a concern. More than 40 percent of Americans are extremely or very concerned about security in relation to viruses or unsolicited emails. Banks and retailers should also take note of the results from the survey respondents in the 45 to 54 age group, the segment of the population that tends to have the highest earnings and greatest disposable income. Forty-nine percent of people surveyed in that group are extremely concerned or very concerned about the security of shopping or banking online.

“Banks and businesses need to understand that customers are more wary than ever about using services that may compromise their personal data,” said Kelleher. “If economic concerns increase these fears, companies need new strategies to strengthen customer confidence through accountability and transparency, which also plays to part of the Obama administration’s call to action for government and business.”

About the Unisys Security Index

The Unisys Security Index is a bi-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 Brazil, Europe and the U.S.; Newspoll conducted the research in Asia-Pacific. The Unisys Security Index surveys more than 8,500 people in nine countries: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. The study measures consumer perceptions on a scale of zero to 300, with 300 representing the highest level of perceived concern. For more information, visit www.unisyssecurityindex.com. See Unisys and its unified security solutions at the RSA Conference at Booth # 2145, where the latest global results of the Unisys Security Index also will be released.

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 centers, 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 more than 28,000 employees, Unisys serves commercial organizations and government agencies throughout the world. For more information, visit www.unisys.com.

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