Data security a major concern to PH consumers

Data security attacks remain a top concern for Filipinos, many of whom respond to data breaches with lawsuits and social media exposes, the latest Unisys Security Index showed.

The survey, conducted from Feb. 27 to March 22 this year, noted that Philippine consumers recorded the “highest level of concern” about security issues.

They topped those in 12 other countries: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Germany, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Unisys said three out of four top concerns in the Philippines related to data security. These were unauthorized access to personal information (90 percent of respondents), internet hacking and viruses (87 percent) and bankcard fraud (84 percent).

The other major concern was natural disasters, as noted by 89 percent.

The same survey said 36 percent of Filipinos suffered a data breach in the last year. Those were e-mail hacking, social engineering scams where victims are enticed to divulge information and the hacking of their social media profiles.

The results have broad implications for consumers, but also businesses and government institutions, which will ultimately bear the brunt of the blame.

“Consumers hold the business or government agency responsible for not protecting their data, and many Filipinos are taking action,” said Ashwin Pal, Unisys director of security services for Asia Pacific.

He said 24 percent of Filipinos took legal action in response to a data breach. He said 21 percent cut ties or terminated their accounts while another 18 percent exposed the issue on social media.

“This results in customer loss, reputation damage, legal disputes and inhibits take-up of online or digital services,” he said.

Overall, the 2019 Unisys Security Index of the Philippine public is 234 out of 300, where 300 represents the highest level of concern. The figure is up from 232 in the company’s 2018 survey.