18-24 year olds much more vulnerable to identity theft 
(21/05/2010)
According to research from Absolute® Software just 14 per cent of 18-24 year old laptop owners rate identity theft as their number one laptop security risk. This is despite the rise in attacks over social networking websites, which are predominantly used by young people.
The study, carried out in association with YouGov, revealed that 27 per cent of British laptop owners regard identity theft as their most feared security issue overall. However, younger adults are considerably less worried about the threat, with viruses and data loss more of a concern to this age group (24 per cent and 20 per cent respectively). And this is despite identity theft rising by 32 per cent from 2008 to 2009.
Dave Everitt, general manager, at Absolute Software commented: “The fact that 18-24 year olds have different attitudes towards security and are much more open about putting their personal details online, heightens their vulnerability to theft. The alarming rise in attacks via social media alone should strike a chord with the younger generation who are using these sites on a daily basis. Similarly, if their laptop gets stolen the information stored on it is an easy means for thieves to steal your identity – it’s just as bad as having your wallet stolen.”
“Despite the increased risks for 18-24 year olds, all age groups need to be aware of the laptop security measures available to them. Locking laptops in a secure location, backing up data and installing software that enables stolen laptops to be tracked and recovered and personal files to be remotely deleted, will help prevent opportunistic thieves from accessing confidential information,” concluded Everitt.
Computrace LoJack for Laptops can be installed on computers and once reported stolen can locate the device and remotely delete the data on it. Absolute Software then works with local police to recover and return the laptop to the owner.
Related topics: Authentication and identity management Computer and PC Security Encryption Internet and Web security Mobile and Wireless Security
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