March 2011

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· Just 90 minutes for cyber criminals to uncover personal details online
· Yet over a third (38%) of Brits publicise when they are on holiday or out of the house on social network websites
· 42% arrange social and other activities online leaving themselves potentially exposed to household theft
· Even though 88% are consciously aware of the dangers of doing so

As the Cabinet Office prepares to publish its new Cyber Security Strategy₁, MORE TH>N Home Insurance is urging customers to be more aware of the personal information they give online for fear of their home security.  According to cyber security experts it can take as little as 90 minutes for a cyber criminal to uncover personal details online and use this to steal personal identities and to target peoples’ homes.

Surprisingly while the majority of people are aware of the risks of sharing personal information and their location online it appears that the British public remains blasé about the threat of cyber theft.  In a recent survey commissioned by MORE TH>N, 38% of Brits publicise when they are on holiday or on a night out on social networking sites and a further 42% arrange external activities online, and yet a significant 88% are consciously aware of the dangers of doing so.

This new study correlates with previous research  from MORE TH>N Home Insurance which found that 12% of ex-burglars surveyed said they have used sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare to easily pinpoint the whereabouts of a target and how long they would be away for.

While there has been a consistent decline in burglaries in the UK – at 659,000 according to the latest British Crime Survey – the Home Office estimates that over £800 of property is stolen or damaged on average at each occurrence of this crime.  The importance of being secure online and at home is all too clear.

Oliver Crofton, Director of Vigilante Bespoke, a leading IT security and management provider, said:
“Cyber-criminals are running sophisticated information gathering operations, often targeting personal details which people didn’t even realise were online. In a very short period of time – even just 90 minutes – key personal information can easily be obtained through social networking sites and other sources.”

MORE TH>N spokesperson Pete Markey, said:
“A clue that a homeowner may only be out for even a short period of time – even just a Tweet that can be easily read by strangers – could be the essential information a burglar needs for a break-in.

“MORE TH>N advises all consumers to follow Cabinet Office guidance which advises people to take a number of sensible precautions to stay safe online. But we also know that there’s no such thing as a ‘safe house’ and that’s why security, common sense and insurance cover are essential.”

Top 5 MORE TH>N tips to help prevent burglary:

1. 1. Be safe, be secure – lock front and back doors, fix doors with a chain or bar, apply and use window locks, don’t leave keys on shelves or on tables near the door.
2. 2. Think secure outside – never leave a spare set of keys outside, lock your side or back gate.
3. 3. Get it lit – installing outdoor lighting can give burglars less places to hide.
4. 4. Make it loud – intruder alarms should always be activated when the home is unoccupied.
5. 5. Keep up to date – make sure your home contents insurance is up to date, and that you’re insured for the correct amount.

Top 5 MORE TH>N tips on prevention of personal location and identity theft:

1. 1. Don’t buy the hype – avoid online deals which appear unrealistic; online payment will require your card details and address.
2. 2. Go easy on the WiFi – be careful when using public WiFi networks; there could be an electronic eavesdropper who could pick up your personal data if banking or shopping online.
3. 3. Don’t get hooked by phishing – delete unexpected emails saying you’ve won a fantastic prize or purporting to be from a bank or card company asking to confirm your password or details online.
4. 4. Keep a low profile – be careful on social networks to not give personal information or your current location and use maximum privacy settings.
5. 5. Get yourself rated – Check your credit report regularly; so you can spot someone trying to borrow money in your name.

For more details of the MORE TH>N Home Insurance offerings, visit www.morethan.com/home or call 01737 815248.

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Press enquiries:

Martin Cairns                        Carmel McCarthy
MORE TH>N Press Office                MORE TH>N Press Office
0207 337 5385                        0207 337 5405
press.office1@uk.rsagroup.com                carmel.mccarthy@uk.rsagroup.com

Notes to Editors:
1. The Office of Cyber Security & Information Assurance (OCSIA) states the new Cyber Security Strategy is currently being drafted and be published in the Spring, likely May 2011. The Cabinet Office estimates the economic cost of cyber crime to UK citizens at £3.1 billion per annum, with the cost of personal identity theft accounting for £1.7 billion. For further information call 020 7263 3000.
2. Opinium Research carried out a nationally representative poll of 2008 British adults between 18 and 21 March 2011.

About MORE TH>N:
MORE TH>N is the direct financial services arm of RSA.  It offers motor, home, pet, life and travel insurance by phone and via the internet. It also offers van, shop, office, business car, hotels, property, club and contractor insurance direct to small businesses.

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