cyber ransom. viruses and malware. hacktivism. identity theft....2017/02/25 · cyber ransom....
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2 | Overcome citizens’ cyber insecurity
Cyber ransom. Viruses and malware. Hacktivism. Identity theft. Reports of cybersecurity threats and incidents are relentless. A new Accenture Public Service Pulse Survey affirms what you might expect: that when it comes to cybersecurity, citizens feel threatened. The research also shows that citizens lack confidence in government’s ability to protect their data and safeguard their privacy. And it points to five clear investments government can make—today—to improve data protection and foster citizen trust.
HIGH ANXIETY, LOW CONFIDENCEWhen Accenture surveyed more than 3,400 US citizens, eight in 10 (79 percent) expressed concern about the privacy and security of their personal digital data. Among their top concerns: identity theft (cited by 68 percent of citizens), unauthorized access to financial accounts (64 percent) and credit card theft (55 percent).
This sense of cyber insecurity is pervasive across industries, with the survey showing that citizens do not perceive any “special” threat related to government. In fact, eight in 10 citizens think their data is more secure (20 percent) or as secure (59 percent) with government as with commercial organizations. That’s the good news. The bad? Citizens don’t have much faith in any sector, and three-quarters lack confidence in government’s ability to keep their data private and secure.
3 | Overcome citizens’ cyber insecurity
CITIZENS: WILLING TO MAKE TRADEOFFS
What will it take to make citizens feel more confident in government’s cyber capabilities? More than half (63 percent) said they would feel safer with better data protection policies in any organization that they interact with. The same percentage would be assured by better data protection on their personal devices.
Interestingly, two-thirds of citizens are willing to sacrifice convenience for more data security—suggesting that government shouldn’t assume citizens will balk at techniques requiring more “work” on their end. In fact, the Accenture survey found that 60 percent of citizens are willing to answer questions during a user registration and account login process.Almost half would be willing to take each of these measures for better security:
Forty-nine percent of citizens said they would be willing combine two secure login methods to increase the privacy and security of their personal data. Just under one-third (32 percent) would be willing to combine three or more such methods.
What citizens are far less willing to accept: allowing organizations to monitor their accounts and devices, supported by just 30 percent and 19 percent, respectively.
47% Biometrics—scan fingerprint, palm, face or eye as part of the login process
44% Receive texts with codes to enter in order to login
44% Change passwords every 30 to 60 days
44% Use multiple passwords
4 | Overcome citizens’ cyber insecurity
FIVE WAYS TO TURN THE TIDE
While citizens’ lack of confidence in cyber security should not come as a shock, what may be less clear is what to do about it. What actions can government take that will make citizens feel more confident? What investments in security do citizens consider worthwhile? And what cybersecurity measures will help bolster their overall perception of government?
As part of the survey, Accenture described five examples of cyber protection services and gauged citizen support of each.
INFORMATION SECURITY ASSESSMENTWe told citizens: Many state and local organizations lack the latest technology for protecting the citizen data they store online. Some of those organizations are evaluating where their systems and processes are weakest, so they can create plans and design solutions to minimize risk.
Citizens responded:
DIGITAL IDENTITYWe told citizens: Many citizens use computers and/or mobile devices to access digital services from state and local governments—paying fines or taxes online, filling out forms or applications, and much more. All of that access creates a risk of identity theft and other “digital identity” problems for people like you. To minimize that risk, some state and local government organizations have begun to use services that protect and authenticate citizen digital identities across devices and systems.
Citizens responded:
PROTECTION #1 PROTECTION #2
That’s a valuable use of government resources
72%
This security protection will make me more confident in the privacy and security of my data
85%
That’s a valuable use of government resources
70%
This security protection will make me more confident in the privacy and security of my data
82%
5 | Overcome citizens’ cyber insecurity
CYBER DEFENSEWe told citizens: Criminals are constantly trying to hack or gain illegal access into the information systems of every type of organization, including state and local governments. Some state and local government organizations have begun using “cyber defense” services to predict, detect and interrupt cyberattacks or threats.
Citizens responded:
PROTECTION #3 PROTECTION #4
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY SECURITYWe told citizens: Many state and local governments have begun deploying emerging technologies, such as GPS-enabled mobile apps and sensors that report water usage. Some are also using “the cloud” as well as social media. Because these new technologies create new security threats, some state and local governments are using services that focus on how to make the emerging technology applications more secure.
Citizens responded:74% That’s a valuable use of
government resources
85%
This security protection will make me more confident in the privacy and security of my data
63% That’s a valuable use of government resources
79%
This security protection will make me more confident in the privacy and security of my data
6 | Overcome citizens’ cyber insecurity
PROTECTION #5
MANAGED SECURITY SERVICESWe told citizens: Protecting against cyber threats is complex and requires highly specialized talent. Because of the cost and complexity, some state and local government organizations have decided to outsource their cybersecurity operations to experts who specialize in this field.
Citizens responded:
That’s a valuable use of government resources
This security protection will make me more confident in the privacy and security of my data
55%
71%
Cybersecurity risks: No one is immune, and no one can eradicate them. Accenture’s research shows that citizens have similar perceptions of government and commercial organizations— and that both have much work to do.
To boost citizen confidence and trust, government must act now. The five investments—Information Security Assessment, Digital Identity, Cyber Defense, Emerging Technology Security and Managed Security Services—offer smart, citizen-endorsed ways to get started.
Across demographic groups, the citizens we surveyed sent a clear message that these five protections will help increase their confidence in government’s ability to safeguard their personal information. A majority also indicated that improved cyber security would positively change their attitudes toward government—including overall satisfaction with government (cited by 63 percent), their belief that government is forward looking (61 percent), their belief that government is effective and efficient (56 percent), and their confidence and trust in government (57 percent).
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACTPeter C. Hutchinson Managing Director, Public Service Strategy, Health & Public Service [email protected]
Lalit AhluwaliaNorth America Security Lead, Health & Public [email protected]
To learn more about the Accenture Public Service Pulse Survey or Accenture’s offerings for state, local and federal government visit: www.accenture.com/publicservice
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ABOUT ACCENTUREAccenture is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries and all business functions – underpinned by the world’s largest delivery network – Accenture works at the intersection of business and technology to help clients improve their performance and create sustainable value for their stakeholders. With more than 394,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture drives innovation to improve the way the world works and lives. Visit us at www.accenture.com.
ABOUT THE RESEARCHTo gauge citizen expectations and attitudes about cyber security and how government can better protect citizens’ personal digital data, Accenture conducted a Public Service Pulse Survey of 3,460 US voting-age citizens in September and October 2016. Results are statistically significant with a confidence level of 95 percent and a margin of error of +/- 2 percent.
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