Access Control
& Security Systems

Identity theft is second only to the World Trade Center terrorist attacks in terms of its impact on consumer awareness of security issues, according to a recently released RSA Security study. The same study revealed that, despite the increase in awareness of security issues, more than 40 percent of all consumers have not implemented some of the most common forms of security protection.

The study, conducted by Opinion Research Corp., under the direction of RSA Security, Bedford, N.H., was initiated to determine changes in attitudes, perceptions and behaviors of consumers as a result of recent security threats. When asked the question, "Which of the following has had the most impact on your awareness of security issues," 46 percent of the respondents listed the World Trade Center attacks and 22 percent listed identity theft. The war in Iraq and global computer viruses received 19 percent and 6 percent, respectively.

When asked which common security measures consumers had taken over the past six months, more than 40 percent had not taken any action. Of those who did implement security measures, 39 percent had installed anti-virus software; 23 percent had reviewed the policies of their financial institution; 21 percent had changed where they stored personal information; 19 percent had reviewed the security policies of their Internet service provider; and 17 percent had installed or upgraded their home security.

Other findings in the study:

• While identity theft was cited as a key issue, nearly 42 percent of respondents haven't altered their buying habits as a result.
• Respondents cited computer viruses and identity theft as the security incidents most likely to experience, with 29 percent choosing each.

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