Security checks get people’s tick

A majority of New Zealanders endorse the use of biometrics to establish their identity but are concerned over privacy issues, according to a new survey.

The Unisys Security Index for October found 60% of the respondents approving the use of biometrics compared to the traditional methods of identification such as PIN numbers and photographs.

Unisys Managing Director Brett Hodgson said the results were not surprising.

“New Zealanders have shown high levels of concern about their identity and financial fraud issues and are prepared to use sophisticated technology,” he said.

The Survey said 81% of the respondents approved fingerprint scans as a good method, while 68% supported iris scans. About 48% said they would approve facial scans and 44% said they would not object to vein pattern (vascular) scans.

Interestingly, more than half the participants preferred the use of passwords (54%) photographs (53%).

“These are very strong results that show New Zealanders are ready for the next roll out of biometric identification technology which would protect private and personal information,” Mr Hodgson said.

However, the firm’s October Index showed a sharp decline, reversing the earlier trend.

But Mr Hodgson said despite the fall, people’s concern remained strong.

“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 1100 incidents of identity misuse reported last year,” he said.

Issues related to National, Financial, Internet and Personal security showed a decline, pushing the Security Index for October by 11 points to reach 113 points.

“Despite these falls, two key areas relating to identity theft continue to reflect ongoing and heightened fears amongst more than 50% of the population.

“About 54% of New Zealanders said they were extremely or very concerned about other people obtaining or using their credit and/or debit card details.

“In addition, 52% were extremely or very concerned about unauthorised access to or misuse of their personal information,” Mr Hodgson said.

The Unisys Security Index has been developed with market research firm Consumer Link to provide a regular measure gauging levels of concern about various aspects of security.

But it has limited scope since the survey accounts for only 506 respondents aged 18 years and above nationwide.

The October Index was based on the survey conducted on September 1 and 2 and from September 29 to October 5.

The study measures consumer perceptions on a scale of zero to 300, with the latter representing the highest level of perceived concern.