Fergie's Tech Blog

Stupid People Alert: 81% Of UK Commuters Give Away Personal Information

Via OUT-LAW.com.

Eighty-one percent of commuters outside Victoria Station were willing to part with all the personal information needed to steal their identity for the chance to win an Easter egg bonanza, according to a survey carried out for Infosecurity Europe.

The researchers presented the survey as research into the significance of Easter, telling commuters that if they took part in the survey they would be entered into a draw for an Easter egg bonanza worth £60. To put the public at ease, they were asked questions about their knowledge of Easter and Easter egg consumption. Seemingly innocent questions were inserted into the conversation to find out the details needed to steal their identities, such as date of birth and mother's maiden name.

Organisers of the annual information security event have been running a survey of this kind for a few years. Each time, the result is the same: whether the incentive is free theatre tickets or a free pen, people fall far too easily for these simple tricks of social engineering.

posted by Fergie @ 4/18/2006 07:59:00 AM