New Zealanders Overwhelmingly Support Fingerprint, Iris Scan and Other Biometric Technology to Protect Private Information
Wednesday 21 October 2009, 9:27AM
By Unisys
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Research released as part of the Unisys Security Index™ shows 6 out of 10 New Zealanders are happy to use biometrics including fingerprints and iris scans to prove their identity.
“Given the high level of concern about identity and financial fraud issues, it is not surprising that New Zealanders are so keen to use sophisticated biometric technology as a means of proving their identity,” said Brett Hodgson, Managing Director, Unisys New Zealand.
“Interestingly, New Zealanders are much more prepared to use some biometrics than more traditional non-biometric methods such as PINs, passwords or photographs.
“Our additional research shows 6 out of 10 or 60 percent of New Zealanders are willing to use a biometric for identity authentication. Of those people:
- 81% support fingerprint scans
- 68% support iris scans
- 48% facial scans
- 44% vein pattern (vascular) scans
- 34% voice pattern recordings
- 57% support PINs
- 54% support passwords
- 53% support photographs
“These are very strong results and show New Zealanders are ready for the next roll out of biometric identification technology where it has obvious benefits for the protection of private and personal information,” said Mr Hodgson.
Overall New Zealand’s Unisys Security Index has fallen significantly, reversing sharp rises in concern recorded earlier in 2009.
“Yet despite the decline, more than half of New Zealanders still remain extremely or very concerned about identity related issues including the protection of personal information and the security of credit and debit card details. This response suggests that identity theft is seen as a day-to-day reality, driven by the more than 1,100 incidents of identity misuse reported in New Zealand last year1,* said Mr Hodgson.
The Unisys Security Index* for October 2009 fell 11 points to 113, largely reversing the 15 point jump recorded in April this year.
All four areas of security surveyed recorded falls with the single largest drop in the area of internet security:
- National security – 103 (-6)
- Financial security – 125 (-12)
- Internet security – 108 (-21)
- Personal security – 11 (-8)
“Despite these falls, two key areas relating to identity theft continue to reflect ongoing and heightened fears amongst more than 50 percent of New Zealand’s population.
“54 percent of New Zealanders say that they are extremely or very concerned about other people obtaining or using their credit and/or debit card details.
“In addition, 52 percent say that they are extremely or very concerned about unauthorised access to or misuse of their personal information.
“These issues are the top two areas of concern for New Zealanders and continue to remain at levels which are well above any other security concern,” Mr Hodgson explained.
About the Unisys Security Index
The Unisys Security Index provides a unique insight into the attitudes of New Zealanders on a wide range of security related issues. Developed in conjunction with market research firm Consumer Link the Unisys Security Index provides a regular, statistically robust measure gauging levels of concern about various aspects of security. The survey on which the latest New Zealand Unisys Security Index is based, was conducted nationally between 1-2 September 2009 and 29 September-5 October 2009 by Consumer Link using a nationally representative sample of 506 respondents aged 18 years and over. All results have been post-weighted to reflect the population using Statistics New Zealand 2006 Census of Population and Dwellings data. The study measures consumer perceptions on a scale of zero to 300, with 300 representing the highest level of perceived concern. For more information on the Unisys Security Index including additional resource material visit: www.unisyssecurityindex.co.nz
Unisys on Security
Organisations and governments today confront potential security threats that didn’t exist a decade ago. A nation’s sense of security is an important indicator of political, economic and consumer forces and their interdependence. Security threats are global and their effects impact individuals on a daily basis. Unisys approach to security goes beyond ‘bits and bytes’ recognising that the most effective solutions are going to be those formed through collaboration across interests. For more information on Unisys security offerings visit: www.unisys.com.au/services/security/index.htm
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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 specialise in helping clients secure their operations, increase the efficiency and utilisation of their data centers, enhance support to their end users and constituents, and modernise 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 26,000 employees, Unisys serves commercial organisations and government agencies throughout the world. For more information, visit www.unisys.com.