Survey: Consumers not too trusting when it comes to data security with retailers

Blue Bell, Pa. – The government is not typically an institution that inspires consumer confidence, and when it comes to protecting personal data, neither is the retail industry.



A large percentage of Americans believe that a breach of their personal data held by a retailer or a government agency is likely within the next year, according to the 2015 Unisys Security Insights survey released today by Unisys Corp. in partnership with Lieberman Research Group.



When asked about the likelihood that their personal data held by a retailer would be accessed by an unauthorized person within the next year, 44% of U.S. respondents said they believed a breach was likely, with only 19% saying it was unlikely.



Asked the same question about personal data held by government agencies, 39% said a breach was likely, and 29% said it was unlikely. For telecommunications companies, 35% said a breach was likely, with 25% stating it was unlikely.



Unisys security experts said that several recent, highly-publicized cyberattacks have increased concern among consumers about the safety of their personal data held by various organizations, especially those in the retail sector where breaches have hit consumers most directly. The survey results may also reflect concerns about the country's general readiness to combat cyber threats, Unisys experts said.