According to Unisys research, Brazil is only behind the Dutch and Germans
The Unisys Security Insights study revealed that more than half (53%) of Brazilians surveyed are concerned about a breach of their personal data that is stored by companies and government agencies. This result puts the country behind only the Netherlands (59%) and Germany (58%) with the highest levels of declarations about this concern among the 12 countries surveyed.
The survey surveyed consumers around the world about the likelihood that their personal data, held by seven types of organizations (airlines, banking/finance, government, healthcare, retail, telecom and utilities) could be accessed by an unauthorized person on the next year, either accidentally or deliberately.
Respondents in the United States are least concerned, only 31% expressed concern that this type of violation occurs, considering all economic sectors surveyed.
Globally, personal data held by telecom providers is seen as the most vulnerable, 59% of respondents in 12 countries believe a breach is likely. Colombians and Brazilians were even more concerned, with 71% and 67%, respectively. Participants in these two countries indicated that a data breach with telecom companies is likely within the next year.
Government is seen as the second most vulnerable sector, 49% of respondents across all participating nations pointed out that a breach of data stored by government bodies is likely. In Brazil, this index is 60%, which leaves the country behind only the Netherlands (69%) and Germany (61%).
The third most vulnerable economic segment in people's perception is the banking sector, a global average of 48% of study participants raised concerns about their data. Germany and Holland tie for first place in the perception of the segment with 63%, followed by Colombia, with 57%, and by Brazil, with 53%.
On the other hand, data shared with airlines generates less concern worldwide, only 34% of respondents – and 39% of Brazilians interviewed – stated that a breach of their data could occur.
In addition, utilities companies, which provide vital services (water, energy, gas) with 45%, the healthcare sector (42%); and retail (42%) are not perceived to be as vulnerable in all countries participating in the survey.
For Americans, retail is the sector most likely to experience a data breach in the next 12 months. This concern is closely linked to recent cases of customer data breaches involving large chain stores in that country. In Brazil, retail was mentioned as the third most vulnerable industry to cyber attacks (55%).
In Latin America, the perception of vulnerability of telecommunications companies also stands out. More than two-thirds (71%) of Colombians said a data breach in the telecommunications market is likely in the next year, 4% more than in Brazil. Mexicans (52%) have the perception that data held by the financial sector is the most susceptible to a breach in the next 12 months, followed closely by concern for telecom companies (51%).
"Companies need, in an emergency, to rethink the way they handle customer and citizen data. The survey results clearly show this apprehension on the part of people. Threats come from all sides (internally and externally) and cyber criminals The level of sophistication of their attacks is increasing. That is why it is essential to invest in preventive measures, such as the adoption of technologies that allow segregating networks so that access to areas that store confidential data is restricted to authorized users", says Italo Cocentino, director of Unisys strategic programs for Latin America.
Unisys Security Insights is an annual global study that provides insights into consumer attitudes in a variety of ways. Conducted every year in 12 countries by Lieberman Research, the survey included interviews with approximately 11,000 consumers in 12 countries. In Latin America, the survey was conducted between April and May 2015 with 2,534 respondents aged over 18 (1,026 in Brazil, 998 in Mexico and 510 in Colombia). For more information access: www.unisys.com/securityinsights.
