Unisys: Technology "consumerization," mobility risks key drivers of security investments
for information exchange and collaboration continue to become more amorphous, enterprises will have greater need for an integrated view of their security vulnerabilities and new ways to secure their entire virtual operations.
Faster, more intelligent security systems that interpret data from multiple sources
Unisys security experts see faster, more intelligent data security networks as enterprises address growing pressures to reduce cost of operations — yet give users and partners access to new types and sources of information to support rapid collaborative decision-making. Advances in coordinated risk management analytics also will provide better tools to combat more sophisticated fraud attacks before they occur or cause a wide security breach. Financial institutions, for example, will work together more readily, and with government entities, technology partners, and other organizations to better identify fraud at its source. Sid Pearl, director of security solutions in the Global Industries practice at Unisys, says:
Technology advances in real time analytics to more easily share data and detect fraud patterns now provide greater opportunities for collaboration,” says. At the same time, the current economic climate means IT investments are under more scrutiny, and still security remains a priority. Budget pressures may actually encourage more information sharing as banks and other organizations realize ROI benefits that can result from working with others, yet still maintain ways to secure proprietary systems.
Banks’ lingering troubles: Fraud fears remains; risk may increase
Banks may have no choice but to develop new security strategies to protect data and instill greater customer trust. According to recent Unisys Security Index research on consumer fears, 60 percent of Americans said they were extremely or very concerned about credit and debit card fraud, and 62 percent expressed serious concern about the safety of their personal information.
The current financial crisis also threatens to fuel a surge in fraud with criminals viewing the downturn as an opportunity to tap into people’s fears with new schemes. Moreover, layoffs and consolidations at financial institutions can weaken internal controls and risk management processes if organizations do not take proper precautions.
Upswing in worldwide biometric deployment, use and consumer acceptance
According to research conducted with the recent Unisys Security Index, more than two-thirds (67 percent) of consumers around the world trust fingerprint scans to verify their identities with banks, government agencies and other organizations. Unisys anticipates an increase use in biometric technology as a viable security solution for both public and private sector organizations. Bryan Ichikawa, vice president at Unisys and leader of the North American biometrics practice, says:
Worldwide trust of biometrics as a means for identity verification keeps growing, so business and governments need to keep pace. Biometrics provides a fast, convenient and secure method for ID credentialing in many applications, and new deployment possibilities include mobile devices such as smart phones and PDAs.
