Research shows lack of confidence in local authority data security
26/03/2009
Research from data protection firm DOM Group has found that public confidence in organisations’ data security measures has fallen, and that local authorities and government departments are particularly mistrusted.
In light of a series of high profile data security breaches, with public information getting lost on discs in the post, being stolen from unencrypted laptops and BlackBerry’s and memory sticks being lost on trains, many people no longer trust the government with their personal information.
The research shows that only 23% of the country is happy with data security standards at their local authority, and only 19% are happy with standards at central government departments. The worst performing area of all were social networking sites, with only 15% trusting them to keep their data safe.
Despite the current recession, around 50% of people are happy with data security standards at their banks and building societies, while 40% thought credit card issuers and travel firms were responsible when it comes to their personal information. Insurance firms and hotels were also found to be trusted by around a third of the respondents.
The managing director of DOM Group says the issue is in need of urgent attention, “unless widespread improvement in data security standards takes place in the next few years, across both private and public sectors, then commercial organisations will stand to lose custom, and government will miss efficiency targets, all because the public is increasingly less willing to risk handing over their personal details.”
In light of a series of high profile data security breaches, with public information getting lost on discs in the post, being stolen from unencrypted laptops and BlackBerry’s and memory sticks being lost on trains, many people no longer trust the government with their personal information.
The research shows that only 23% of the country is happy with data security standards at their local authority, and only 19% are happy with standards at central government departments. The worst performing area of all were social networking sites, with only 15% trusting them to keep their data safe.
Despite the current recession, around 50% of people are happy with data security standards at their banks and building societies, while 40% thought credit card issuers and travel firms were responsible when it comes to their personal information. Insurance firms and hotels were also found to be trusted by around a third of the respondents.
The managing director of DOM Group says the issue is in need of urgent attention, “unless widespread improvement in data security standards takes place in the next few years, across both private and public sectors, then commercial organisations will stand to lose custom, and government will miss efficiency targets, all because the public is increasingly less willing to risk handing over their personal details.”
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