Identity theft study reveals our concerns

Nearly one in six Australians has been a victim or known somebody who has been a victim of identity theft or misuse in the past six months, new research shows.

An independent online survey of 1200 people also revealed nine in 10 people were concerned or very concerned about identity theft and misuse.

"It's clear from these results that there is real concern in the Australian community about identity theft and misuse," federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland said on Sunday.

As technology evolved and people undertook more business and transactions online, the risk of identity theft increased, he said.

The survey also revealed the majority of identity theft or misuse occurred over the internet (58 per cent), or through the loss of a credit or debit card (30 per cent).

Stolen identify information was primarily used to purchase goods or services (55 per cent) or to obtain finance, credit or a loan (26 per cent).

Information from the survey, conducted by Di Marzio Research, will be used to help develop a new national identity security strategy, Mr McClelland said.

The government has introduced legislation to parliament aimed at strengthening cyber security laws and Australia's ability to combat international cyber crime.

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