- Industries
- |
- Services
- |
- Technology
- |
- Clients
- |
- About Unisys
- |
- Unisys.com.au
Nearly 1 million more Australians concerned about protection of credit card details than two years agoAn estimated 6 out of 10 Australians extremely concerned about inappropriate access to or misuse of credit card details
SYDNEY, 28 August, 2008 – In just two years, the number of Australians concerned about financial fraud, has increased by nearly one million, according to trend analysis of Unisys Security Index1 findings, released to coincide with Privacy Awareness Week.
While identity theft and financial fraud are consistently the issues that concern Australians the most based on the Unisys Security Index, analysis of the body of research over the two years June 2006-June 2008 has also found:
“While we’ve known for some time that people are more concerned about identity related crime than they are about other security issues, the increasing intensity of concern is a bit of a surprise,” said Unisys security spokesperson, Jane Evans.
“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 increasing level of community concern shows us is that now, more than ever, 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 Ms Evans.
Despite the high level of concern about the protection of privacy, additional research as part of the December 2006 Unisys Security Index found that individuals often make it easy for their private data to be stolen: 1 in 5 Australians said they never destroy bank or credit card statements before throwing them into the garbage; 1 in 4 said that they never read privacy policies; and almost 1 in 3 used an easy to remember figure such as their birth date when asked to select a PIN2.
Tips for individuals to protect private data:
Always read & 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 garbage. 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.
For full details of all results of the Unisys Security Index for Australia, please go to www.unisyssecurityindex.com.au
Footnotes:
About Unisys Asia Pacific
Unisys helps clients with solutions for secure business operations by aligning technology with business strategy. Drawing on a history of industry innovation and expertise, Unisys provides specialised services, delivered by trusted consultants. In Asia Pacific, Unisys delivers services and solutions through subsidiaries in Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, India, Korea, Malaysia, The Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand and through distributors or resellers in other countries in the region. For more information, visit www.unisys.com.
About Unisys
Unisys is a worldwide information technology services and solutions company. We provide consulting, systems integration, outsourcing and infrastructure services, combined with powerful enterprise server technology. We specialise in helping clients use information to create efficient, secure business operations that allow them to achieve their business goals. Our consultants and industry experts work with clients to understand their business challenges and create greater visibility into critical linkages throughout their operations. For more information, visit www.unisys.com.
Contact
Claire Hosegood, Unisys, +61 411 253 663
|
