BLUE BELL, Pa., June 24, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Unisys
Corporation (NYSE: UIS) today announced its Top 10 "Tips to be
Security Savvy at Big Events" in the wake of a new survey showing
Americans are fearful of both physical and cyber attacks at
large-scale events just as the summer event season gets
underway.
More than one in five (22%) Americans say they have cancelled
plans or considered cancelling plans to attend large-scale public
events due to concerns about physical attacks and the safety of
their data, according to the new 2019 Unisys Security Index™. The
driving forces behind Americans rethinking their plans are fears of
a criminal attack causing physical harm at large-scale events such
as sporting events or concert festivals and of someone stealing
their personal data when using public Wi-Fi at such events.
Eighty-three percent of respondents registered some level of
concern about a physical attack, with 50% seriously (extremely or
very) concerned. Similarly, 81% are concerned about theft of
personal data at large events, with 52% seriously (extremely or
very) concerned. In addition, 78% are concerned about someone
stealing their credit card data when using public Wi-Fi at such
events – with 52% extremely or very concerned.
The top 10 tips are:
- Only buy event tickets from official channels or websites
you trust. Make sure the website you're using to buy
tickets shows the secure padlock icon in the browser and the
address begins "https://"— and if ticket prices look too good to be
true, they probably are.
- Plan ahead and check local authorities' alerts. Sign up
for any travel or news alerts provided or recommended by the event
organizers to receive updates on traffic or news of any potential
disturbances on event day.
- If you're going to a crowded event alone, let someone
know. Make sure your friends or family know where you're
going, when you plan to arrive and when you're expected to
return.
- Travel light. There's no need to take everything you own
to a festival. Leave the valuables at home and travel light, with
just the essentials – in your pockets if possible.
- As soon as you get to the event, survey your
surroundings. Make sure you know where the exits are and
agree on a meeting place with your friends in case you get
separated. Know where stewards and information points are so you
can speak to someone if needed.
- Update your mobile device and avoid unsecured Wi-Fi
networks. Update your phone with the latest software, so
it's as secure as it can be, and only use password protected Wi-Fi.
Unprotected Wi-Fi networks can give hackers access to personal data
on your phone.
- Don't make electronic transactions with unofficial event
vendors. Be careful with your contactless cards or making
mobile transactions, particularly outside event venues.
Unscrupulous traders could be gathering your financial data to use
or sell to other criminals.
- Be vigilant for suspicious activity at an event. Don't
be afraid to report something you think is unusual, such as
unattended baggage or people behaving in a suspicious or
threatening way.
- Keep your phone charged in case of emergencies. If
possible, take a battery charger pack with you to ensure your phone
is always available when you need it.
- In an emergency, stay calm and move to the edges of
crowds. Try to leave the area quickly and calmly. If you
need to, get away from the incident quickly, hide yourself if
needed, call 911 when you can, and then let your family know you
are safe.
"American consumers have registered their concerns about both
their physical and cyber safety at large-scale events loudly and
clearly, to the point of rethinking their plans to attend," said
Tom Patterson, chief trust officer
for Unisys. "The intention of providing the tips is to provide
timely and useful information based on our experience as they
consider their options. As we say in the tips guide: Have a great
time, but be safe doing it!"
To download the tips guide or to see more results and
information on the U.S. survey results of the 2019 Unisys Security
Index, visit www.unisys.com/unisys-security-index/us.
About the Unisys Security Index
Unisys has conducted
the Unisys Security Index – the longest-running snapshot of
consumer security concerns conducted globally – since 2007 to
provide an ongoing, statistically-robust measure of concern about
security. The index is a calculated score out of 300 covering
changing consumer attitudes over time across eight areas of
security in four categories: national security and
disaster/epidemic, in the National Security category; bankcard
fraud and financial obligations, in the Financial Security
category; viruses/hacking and online transactions, in the Internet
Security category; and identity theft and personal safety, in the
Personal Security category. The 2019 Unisys Security Index is based
on online surveys conducted February
27-March 22, 2019 of nationally representative samples of at
least 1,000 adults in each of the following countries: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Germany, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New
Zealand, Philippines, the
U.K. and the U.S. The margin of error at a country level is +/-3.1%
at 95% confidence level, and +/-0.9% at a global level.
About Unisys
Unisys is a global information
technology company that builds high-performance, security-centric
solutions for the most demanding businesses and governments on
Earth. Unisys offerings include security software and services;
digital transformation and workplace services; industry
applications and services; and innovative software operating
environments for high-intensity enterprise computing. For more
information on how Unisys builds better outcomes securely for its
clients across the Government, Financial Services and Commercial
markets, visit www.unisys.com.
Follow Unisys on Twitter and LinkedIn.
RELEASE NO.: 0624/9687
Unisys and other Unisys products and services mentioned herein,
as well as their respective logos, are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Unisys Corporation. Any other brand or product
referenced herein is acknowledged to be a trademark or registered
trademark of its respective holder.
UIS-C
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SOURCE Unisys Corporation