For many people in Singapore and other Asian countries, theft of their identities is the biggest worry they face, according to the latest Security Index. Eighty percent of people who were surveyed in Singapore along are worried about others stealing their identities or using their credit cards without their knowledge. Hong Kong and Malaysia had similar worries.
The Security Index is based on local fears about security. A low number indicates that people have little fear, whereas a high number indicates a lot. If there’s no fear, the Security Index would be zero, however, in Singapore and Hong Kong, the index is a startling 179, with Malaysia not far behind at 174. This is a lot higher than countries like New Zealand or Australia, which are below 150 on this scale.
Despite the fact that many people in the area are quite concerned about the security of their identities and finances, a fifth of them still don’t take basic security measures, like destroying the receipts from an ATM. This shows a degree of complacency that doesn’t match with their worries. Many people are used to trusting their banks and don’t realize all the vectors through...