Personal Security and Identity Theft Expert Says Consumer Trends Portend a Massive Backlash against Businesses that Fail to Implement Sound Data Security Measures

Aug. 11, 2006 - IDTheftSecurity.com - New research this week provided insight into consumers’ attitudes toward data security breaches and into the demographics of those most susceptible to identity fraud and theft. Other findings placed the annual cost to victims of cybercrime in the billions of dollars for U.S. and British citizens. Robert Siciliano, personal security and identity theft expert, said the findings spell trouble for industry, but could also become marketing opportunities for companies that understand the importance of security.

“The threat of identity theft has become a given in most consumers’ minds,” said Siciliano, who provides consumer education solutions to Fortune 500 companies and their clients. “Consumers who have yet to take notice soon will—and probably the hard way.”

This year, Siciliano has discussed identity theft on CNBC’s “On the Money” multiple times, on NBC’s “Today Show,” and on FOX News. President of IDTheftSecurity.com, Siciliano is also author of “The Safety Minute: 01.”

Research released in a flurry from various organizations this past week has underscored the daunting costs of cybercrime and the fragile state of consumer confidence in data security:

•    A survey of 2,200-plus consumers, conducted by Princeton, NJ’s Opinion Research Group, found more than half of respondents reporting a rise in their concerns over data security. Released on Aug. 7, the results also revealed that this heightened awareness caused 40 percent of those surveyed to halt a transaction online, over the phone, or in person. Furthermore, no single industry, brand, or company stood out when researchers asked respondents to name a most trusted.

•    On Aug. 8, the BBC News reported the results of research conducted by Britain-based market research firm YouGov and commissioned by Npower, an energy firm. One in every 10 of the 2,200 people polled believed they had fallen prey at some point to identity fraudsters. According to the findings, people under 30 years old, less prone to protect information such as the PIN numbers to their ATM cards, may be more susceptible to identity thieves.

•    As reported in the Aug. 6 edition of the Sunday Mirror, the British government has estimated the annual cost of cybercrime there to be in excess of £2 billion. On Aug. 8, an article in California’s Central Valley Business Times shared results from Consumer Reports’ “State of the Net Survey,” which found that U.S. consumers lost more than $8 billion over the past two years to cybercrime.

“Merely going online, let alone making a simple purchase while on the Web, has become akin to walking solo down an inner city back alley after midnight,” said Siciliano. “The potential costs to consumers and industry alike have reached enormous proportions.”

But the various findings, while worrisome, also presented opportunities, according to Siciliano. “Security consciousness has become a necessity for industry,” said Siciliano, “and anyone who markets this consciousness ahead of the curve will not only retain existing customers, but woo jaded consumers from unconscious competitors.”

“Yet another laptop stolen from the Veterans Affairs Department, not to mention the latest security breakdown at the Department of Transportation, only serve to chip away even further at consumer confidence,” Siciliano concluded. “Only believable, strong countermeasures properly communicated to the public will turn things around for industry. After all, how can any company expect to conduct business, especially e-commerce, in an environment fraught with so many fears about security?”

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Identity theft affects us all, which is why Robert Siciliano, president of IDTheftSecurity.com, makes it his mission to provide consumer education solutions on identity theft to Fortune 500 companies and their clients. A leader of personal safety and security seminars nationwide, Siciliano has been featured on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, “The Suze Orman Show,” “ABC News with Sam Donaldson,” “The Montel Williams Show,” “Maury Povich,” “Sally Jesse Raphael,” and “The Howard Stern Show.”

The media may reach Siciliano at 1 (888) SICILIANO (742-4542). Visit his Web site, www.IDTheftSecurity.com, or his blog, www.IDTheftSecurity.blogspot.com. Siciliano’s full contact information follows:

Robert Siciliano
Personal Security Expert
PHONE: 888-SICILIANO (742-4542)
FAX: 877-2-FAX-NOW (232-9669)
E-MAIL: Robert@IDTheftSecurity.com
http://www.idtheftsecurity.com/

The media are encouraged to get in touch with Siciliano directly. They may also contact:

Brent W. Skinner, President
STETrevisions
PHONE: 617-875-4859
FAX: 866-663-6557
E-MAIL: BrentSkinner@STETrevisions.biz
http://www.STETrevisions.biz