21 June 2000

Text: Opinion Poll Shows Fears of Criminal Activity Online

A private industry opinion poll shows that 67 percent of Americans feel threatened by the potential of criminal activity occurring online. The opinion survey was conducted jointly by the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) and EDS Corporation, an information technology corporation. The results were explained in a June 19 press release.

The poll of 1,000 Americans also found that 62 percent of respondents believe that business and government are not doing enough to protect consumers from becoming victims online.

EDS Chairman Dick Brown acknowledged that the poll reveals public anxiety about the potential for online crime. "Today, EDS and the ITAA have called on our colleagues in industry and members of law enforcement to work together even more closely to improve Internet security."

The ITAA has several initiatives underway to improve information sharing in the industry and expand online education programs for children.

Following is the text of the press release

New Nationwide Poll Shows Two-Thirds of Americans Worry About Cybercrime; Online-Criminals Seen as Less Likely to be Caught

June 19, 2000

HERNDON, VA -- A new nationwide public opinion poll released today by the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) and EDS shows that an overwhelming majority of Americans, 67 percent, feel threatened by or are concerned about cybercrime. In addition, 62 percent believe that not enough is being done to protect Internet consumers against cybercrime. Roughly the same number, 61 percent, say they are less likely to do business on the Internet as a result of cybercrime, while 33 percent say crime has no effect on their e-commerce activities.

The national poll of 1,000 Americans also revealed that 65 percent believe online criminals have less of a chance of being caught than criminals in the real world, while only 17 percent believe cybercriminals have a greater chance of being caught.

"This poll underscores the fact that Americans are not satisfied with existing protections from computer criminals," EDS Chairman Dick Brown told reporters at a news conference today. "EDS takes the issue of cybersecurity very seriously, which is why we have pledged to take a leadership role in developing protections for Internet and computer users from illegal online behavior.

"Today, EDS and the ITAA have called on our colleagues in industry and members of law enforcement to work together even more closely to improve Internet security. The future of the cybermarketplace will depend, to a large degree, on safety and security."

The poll also suggests that Americans are split on whether computer crimes will become more serious in the future or businesses will find better ways to protect themselves, 45 percent respectively.

The sobering survey results were released at a high-level meeting of industry and government hosted by ITAA at EDS' regional office here to discuss cyber crime fighting.

"Today, ITAA gathered industry leaders like EDS to meet with senior law enforcement officials, including the Attorney General of the United States, to discuss ways to better share information and collaborate on cyber crime," said Harris N. Miller, ITAA President. "The New Economy cannot operate like the wild west, and ITAA has a multi-faceted campaign to better protect data and users from security threats."

Miller noted that ITAA is overseeing the creation of an Information Sharing and Assurance Center (ISAC) for the information industry, similar to an ISAC created in the financial services sector. ITAA also has a program to teach children responsible use of computers, called the Cybercitizen Partnership, which aims to redirect children's attitudes about hacking. ITAA will also host the first global InfoSec Summit in October of 2000 in Washington, DC.

The ITAA/EDS poll, conducted on June 8-11, 2000, by the polling firm of Fabrizio McLaughlin & Associates, interviewed a random sample of 1000 Americans nationwide. The survey has a confidence level of 95 percent and a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent.

About EDS

EDS is a recognized global leader in providing E-business and information technology services to 9,000 business and government clients in about 50 countries around the world. Having founded the IT services industry more than 35 years ago, EDS delivers high value management consulting, electronic business solutions, business process management, and systems and technology expertise to help clients simplify complexity and achieve superior value in the digital economy. The company brings deep industry practice knowledge to solve challenges in a wide variety of industries, including communications, energy and chemicals, financial services, government, healthcare, products and retailing, and travel and transportation. EDS reported revenues of $18.5 billion in 1999. The company's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:EDS) and the London Stock Exchange. To find out more about the EDS vision, visit EDS via the Internet at http://www.eds.com.

About ITAA

The Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) provides global public policy, business networking, and national leadership to promote the continued rapid growth of the IT industry. ITAA consists of 400 direct and 26,000 affiliate corporate members throughout the U.S., and a global network of 41 countries' IT associations. The Association plays the leading role in issues of IT industry concern including information security, taxes and finance policy, digital intellectual property protection, telecommunications competition, workforce and education, immigration, online privacy and consumer protection, government IT procurement, human resources and e-commerce policy. ITAA members range from the smallest IT start ups to industry leaders in the Internet, software, IT services, ASP, digital content, systems integration, telecommunications, and enterprise solution fields. For more information visit www.itaa.org

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