UK consumers distrust IT security offerings

The majority of UK consumers are worried about the security of their data, a recent survey has claimed.

UK database security firm Secerno recently carried out an independent survey of over 1,200 UK consumers reviewing their concerns over the issue of personal data theft.

The poll, conducted by Ipsos MORI, found that 83 per cent of respondents highlighted the security of their bank and credit card details as a concern, and 76 per cent are worried about the security of personal data.

Only five per cent of respondents claimed not to be bothered about the security of their personal data.

The recent publicity on international breaches, such as the TK Maxx data loss and Nationwide laptop theft, seems to have had a dramatic impact on UK consumers.

Secerno believes that the British public is not satisfied with the current track record of financial institutions, and over half believe that banks and building societies need to be more active in safeguarding confidential information.

Only four per cent of respondents trust their bank to look after their personal data.

On the topic of disclosure, 82 per cent of respondents expect immediate notification from their bank or building society if their data is lost, rising to 93 per cent among the higher income earners (over £25,000 per annum).

Recent breaches may also be leading people to act themselves in the event of personal information being lost.

Over 48 per cent would cancel their credit cards, and well over half would vote with their feet and immediately stop using the service from where their data had been compromised.

As more and more British companies, financial institutions among them, are choosing to outsource database storage and management facilities overseas, 63 per cent of adults are concerned about the ability of data centres to protect their data in the UK and abroad.

"This survey provides financial institutions with a clear and valuable insight into the British public's response to the recent rise in cases of data theft or accidental loss," said Paul Davie, chief executive and founder of Secerno.

"These cases have had an impact on the attitudes of consumers in the online and offline worlds, as one in nine people overall said that they have been a victim of data theft.

"Yet almost half of those victims would never put personal information online and a quarter of all respondents claim never to use the internet."

Davie added that consumers have a right to be told immediately when their personal information may have been compromised.

But banks and other financial institutions holding personal data know that they are likely be punished when a breach becomes known and have an immediate disincentive in relation to doing the right thing in such cases.

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