Unisys Security Index falls for May 2008

However concern about war and terrorism grows

Kuala Lumpur, 05 June 2008: Malaysians have begun 2008 with a decreased level of overall concern according to the Unisys Security Index TM released today.

A significant fall in the level of concern over Personal and Financial Security Issues pushed the overall Index down to its lowest level since it was launched in September 2006.

Yet despite the overall decline, more Malaysians are now concerned about war or an act of terror.

The June 2008 Unisys Security Index for Malaysia stands at 164 down 7 points since December 2007 and down 15 points from a high recorded in May 2007.

“Today’s results are showing a downward trend in overall security concern since a peak was recorded in May 2007. However, when we compare Malaysia to the results of all 14 countries surveyed as part of the Unisys Security Index globally, it is clear that Malaysians are still expressing heightened levels of concerns on security issues. The average results globally are 130 and Brazil which traditionally has the highest levels of concerns is at 168,” said Scott Whyman, Vice President and General Manager of Unisys Asia South.

At the same time, this survey also shows that there has been an increase in the number of people concerned about an act of terror and or war.

“The results of the Unisys Security Index demonstrates that Malaysians have a sophisticated understanding of both physical and non-physical security issues that can affect their lives and the broader environment. These results can help the government and commercial organisations understand the current concerns of Malaysian citizens and address them accordingly,” said Cik Rohana Tan Sri Mahmood, Distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) and Chairman of Ethos Capital.

The key Unisys Security Index results for May 2008 are as follows:

· National Security – Down 2 points to 193
· Financial Security – Down 13 points to 159
· Internet Security – Down 3 points to 122
· Personal Security – Down 11 points to 182

The top issues of concern for Malaysians are identity theft and financial fraud as well as fear of a terror attack or war.

· Unauthorised access to or misuse of personal information – 78% extremely or very concerned
· National Security in relation to war or terror – 71% extremely or very concerned
· Other people obtaining and or using your credit or debit card details – 70% extremely or very concerned

The Unisys Security Index TM provides a unique insight into the attitudes of Malaysians on a wide range of security related issues.

Organisations and governments today confront potential security threats that didn’t exist a decade ago, or, if they did, were not seen as such a pressing concern. These security threats are global and their effects impact individuals on a daily basis. Unisys approach to security goes beyond ‘bits and bytes’ recognising that there are a broad set of political, economic and consumer forces that impact the security ‘ecosystem’. We believe that the most effective solutions are going to be those formed through collaboration across interests, sectors, borders and geographies.

For full details of all results of the Unisys Security Index for Malaysia, please go to www.unisyssecurityindex.com.my