Unisys Research Shows Economic Crisis Causing Increased Worldwide Consumer Fears about Fraud and Security Risks

* Reuters is not responsible for the content in this press release.

Mon Apr 20, 2009 6:00am EDT

Unisys Security Index shows card fraud and ID theft top fears worldwide; Also
new growth in global Internet security concerns

Regions vary: Spain, Germany, and U.S. show big spike in financial security
fears but Brazil sees drop; Dutch complacent on most fronts; New Zealand has
largest increase in security concerns as a whole
BLUE BELL, Pa.--(Business Wire)--
Two-thirds of consumers around the world believe that the current economic
crisis has impacted their personal risk for ID theft or fraud, according to
research conducted in February and March by Unisys Corporation (NYSE:UIS). 

The current global findings of the Unisys Security Index, which complement
recently released country-specific results, also show that fears about bank card
fraud and identity theft have increased. These areas remain the top overall
consumer concerns globally, where they have ranked since Unisys began the
comprehensive biannual study in 2007, and the increase in ID theft fears
reverses a small downward trend. In addition, the survey saw a 10 point increase
in Internet security fears worldwide, which included near equal rises in
concerns about online banking and shopping as well as computer viruses and spam.


"Our research is a wake up call to every organization that serves consumers
since perception is reality, and security fears are clearly growing worldwide,"
said Tim Kelleher, vice president and general manager, Managed Security
Services, Unisys. "Not only do the vast majority of people believe that the
current global financial crisis directly increases their personal risk of being
an ID theft or fraud victim, but general concerns about online transactions,
computer viruses, and meeting financial obligations all saw significant
increases among consumers worldwide. While the economic environment is
difficult, it is more imperative than ever that businesses and governments
assuage these fears by investing in unified solutions that address all their
security vulnerabilities." 

The Unisys Security Index is a biannual global study of consumer opinion on four
areas of security: financial, national, Internet and personal safety. The
results are tallied on a scale of 0-300, with 300 representing the highest level
of perceived concern. More than 8,500 consumers in Asia-Pacific, Brazil, Europe
and the U.S. responded to the latest survey conducted from late February and
March, 2009. Each survey also includes supplemental research on a security niche
topic such as the current data on the impact of the global economic crisis on ID
theft and related fraud fears. 

The average global score for the current Unisys Security Index is 133,
indicating moderate security fears overall. The overall score has remained
relatively constant since the research began in August 2007; however, there are
some striking geographic differences and higher concerns in specific areas:

* While personal, financial, and Internet security concerns all increased in the
current study, national security concerns continue to decline globally,
continuing a trend since the research began in 2007. 
* Compared to the last study in September 2008, increases in financial security
fears are highest in Germany, Spain (both countries` scores are up 15 points),
New Zealand (+14 points), and the U.S. (+12). 
* Germany and Brazil are tied with the highest scores (177) in financial
security fears; however, Brazil is down nine points in the latest research. 
* The spike in Internet security was driven by big increases in Spain (+22
points), New Zealand (+18), and the U.K. (+10). Germany has the highest level of
concern about Internet security with a score of 167, nearly matching its overall
Security Index score of 169. 
* An overwhelming majority (84 percent) of Spanish consumers believe the
financial crisis will increase their risk of ID theft and fraud schemes. Nearly
three quarters of people in the U.S. (74 percent) and U.K. (72 percent) share a
high concern in this area. 
* The Netherlands and Belgium have the lowest Unisys Security Index scores in
all categories. Citizens in these countries in particular are least concerned
about national security (scoring only 67 and 74, respectively). 
* Belgium and the Netherlands have much lesser security concerns as compared to
Germany, Spain and the U.K., showing clear contrasts in the Benelux region and
larger Western European countries. 
* With a Unisys Security Index score of 178, Brazil is the most concerned
country overall, and also ranks top or second (to Germany) in all categories. 
* New Zealand saw the greatest change (+15 points) to 124 in its overall score
compared to the last results in September 2008.

"We continue to see unique nuances around the world, which can provide insight
for businesses and governments when developing security solutions and
communicating to customers," Kelleher said. "The Unisys Security Index is a
reminder that one global solution can`t always be the answer when cultural
differences and regional issues impact consumers` views. Enterprises need to
take a more unified approach to security and consider both common worldwide
threats and trends, and how these relate locally depending on market
conditions." 

About the Unisys Security Index

The Unisys Security Index is a biannual 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. 

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. 

RELEASE NO.: 0420/8976
http://www.unisys.com/about__unisys/news_a_events/04208976.htm

Unisys is a registered trademark of Unisys Corporation. All other brands and
products referenced herein are acknowledged to be trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective holders. 





Unisys
Danielle D`Angelo, 914-262-9834
danielle.dangelo@unisys.com
or
Weber Shandwick for Unisys
Mary McCeney, 212-445-8160
mmcceney@webershandwick.com



Copyright Business Wire 2009

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