Americans' Security Concerns Jump on Internet and National Security Worries

Americans are significantly more concerned about nearly all aspects of their security compared to six months ago, according to new research conducted by Unisys Corp. The largest rise in concern centered on Internet security, measured at levels 35 percent higher than in August 2010, with approximately half of Americans seriously concerned about viruses, spam and the safety of online shopping.

The bi-annual Unisys Security Index surveys more than 1,000 Americans to gauge consumer opinion on four areas of security: financial, national, Internet and personal safety. The total U.S. Unisys Security Index score jumped more than 20 percent over the past six months, to a level of concern that researchers marked as "serious" -- the first time the U.S. index reading has warranted that designation since the survey began in 2007.

The survey, taken in February, also showed that Americans are conflicted about government data leaks associated with the WikiLeaks website, with many stating the site should be shut down and others asserting that leaks can help to keep government accountable to citizens.

Growth in security concerns across the board

On a scale of zero to 300, the Unisys Security Index stands at 164 in the U.S., up from 136 six months ago. The increase is due largely to higher concerns related to the war or terrorism, identity theft and bankcard fraud. For example, 70 percent of Americans surveyed said they were seriously concerned about identity theft, and 68 percent said they were seriously concerned about falling victim to credit or debit card fraud. Also, 67 percent were seriously concerned about national security.

"Recent events such as the WikiLeaks incident and some of the recent well-publicized hacker attacks may be pushing Americans to an inflection point in understanding just how critical the Internet is to all dimensions of security, whether securing our nation or securing our personal information," said Steve Vinsik, vice president, enterprise security, Unisys. "We believe that awareness levels will continue to rise as the Internet becomes more woven into all of our day-to-day lives."

Beyond Internet security, the new Unisys survey shows that Americans are just as concerned about potential security attacks on critical infrastructure targets as they are about transportation such as airplanes, airports and mass transit.

For example, 61 percent of Americans were seriously concerned about the vulnerability of bridges, power plants and pipelines—a greater number than those seriously concerned about airport or airplane security (59 percent). Other areas of serious concern included mass transit (57 percent), large public gatherings (57 percent) and cargo (56 percent).

Americans conflicted about WikiLeaks but not about the vulnerability of secrets

When asked about the recent WikiLeaks incident involving leaked classified U.S. government data, American respondents appeared to have mixed feelings on the issue. Nearly half (48 percent) of Americans surveyed were familiar with the WikiLeaks incident. Of those, 52 percent agreed "strongly" or "somewhat" with the statement that the release of the information was good and made the government accountable. However, 64 percent of Americans surveyed agreed with a statement that release of the information was harmful and that WikiLeaks should be shut down.

In addition, 73 percent of Americans surveyed who were familiar with the WikiLeaks incident expressed a lack of confidence in governments' ability to prevent future data leaks.

Featured

  • Meeting Modern Demands

    Door hardware and access control continue to be at the forefront of innovation within the security industry, continuously evolving to meet the dynamic needs of commercial spaces. Read Now

  • Leveraging IoT and Open Platform VMS for a Connected Future

    The evolution of urban environments is being reshaped by the convergence of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and open platform VMS. As cities worldwide grapple with growing populations and increasing operational complexities, these integrated technologies are emerging as powerful tools for creating more livable, efficient, and secure urban spaces. Read Now

  • Securing the Future

    Two security experts sit down with Security Today’s editor in chief Ralph C. Jensen to discuss what they see emerging and changing over the next several years along with how security stakeholders can harness these innovations into opportunities. Read Now

  • Collaboration Made Easy Using a Work Management Platform

    Effective collaboration between security operators, teams and other departments is critical to the smooth functioning of organizations. Yet, as organizations grow in complexity, it becomes more difficult for teams to coordinate with each other. This is compounded by staffing shortages, turnover and ineffective collaboration tools. Read Now

  • Creating a Safer World

    Managing and supporting locks and door hardware within a facility is a big responsibility. A building’s security needs to change over time as occupancy and use demands evolve, which can make it even more challenging. Read Now

New Products

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • ComNet CNGE6FX2TX4PoE

    The ComNet cost-efficient CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is a six-port switch that offers four Gbps TX ports that support the IEEE802.3at standard and provide up to 30 watts of PoE to PDs. It also has a dedicated FX/TX combination port as well as a single FX SFP to act as an additional port or an uplink port, giving the user additional options in managing network traffic. The CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is designed for use in unconditioned environments and typically used in perimeter surveillance.