Lack of confidence in cyber security has economic, political effects

Americans share a lack of confidence in the Internet that could have political consequences. In addition, the lack of action by government to boost security of the digital infrastructure is manifesting itself in economic losses.

Those are two conclusions formed by the Cyber Security Industry Alliance at the release of its survey measuring the American public’s confidence in the security of the nation’s digital infrastructure.

The results of the nationwide survey of 1,150 adults conducted on behalf of CSIA by Pineda Consulting show that fewer than one in five Americans feel that existing laws are enough to protect them on the Internet. Moreover, voters express a clear preference for strong federal data security legislation even when presented with the argument that it will result in unwanted notices and higher prices. Some 70 percent of likely voters agree that Congress should pass a strong data security law anyway.

“The rash of high-profile data breaches over the past 18 months has compromised more than 55 million personal records. Meanwhile, Congress has spent more than a year debating data security legislation without results as the issue of data security has been rising in the public consciousness,” said Paul Kurtz, executive director of CSIA. “While data security alone won’t be a deciding factor in an election, the survey does reveal that voters have serious doubts about candidates opposed to strong data security laws.”

Kurtz maintains that consumers are beginning to understand the link between their privacy and data security and they are looking to their government leaders for action. His group is encouraging Congress to pass a comprehensive national data security law this year. Such a law would “establish reasonable security measures, create a consistent and recognizable notification standard, encourage best practices such as encryption, and include effective enforcement.”

According to CSIA, this lack of confidence continues to manifest itself through consumer behavior that suggests economic losses.

Only 44 percent of Americans feel their information is safe when engaging in e-commerce and 50 percent avoid making purchases online because they are afraid their financial information will be stolen.

Topics Cyber