The study by Avira, the Germany IT security vendor, found that almost 30% of its users do shop online, but remain concerned, whilst 22% only shop online via well-known web sites.
In fact, during the July 2011 survey of 2,945 Avira users, just 30% of respondents said they felt secure enough to be worry free as they shop online.
The online shopping survey was presented to Avira’s website visitors during July, 2011 with the question:
Do you feel secure while shopping online?
28.62% - I shop online, but I always fear that my personal data is going to get into the wrong hands.
22.51% - I trust only well known shops or brands like Amazon or iTunes.
18.85% - Due to security concerns, I do not shop online.
15.65% - I am fine as long as the method of paying and the financial transactions are always secure.
14.36% - I feel secure - fraud with online shopping doesn't happen very often.
Commenting on the results of the survey, Sorin Musaca, an Avira data security expert, said that, because of the continued data breaches, phishing attacks, and security vulnerabilities, that get reported on almost every day, consumers have every right to not feel 100% safe while they shop online.
In view of this, he recommends that users should always check that the connection to the online store where the payment is done is secured. This can be observed first if the URL is starting with “https” and second if a small lock is present in the top left corner of the browser in the URL field (in Chrome) or the name of the website is written in a colored rectangle (in Firefox,IE).
“If the web browser gives any warnings about the security certificate of the website, then do not proceed to purchase anything from that website”, he advises.
In addition, he adds, if you don’t know the website you plan to buy from, always check its reputation first. Search for comments from other users about that website. Searching for “<website> reputation” usually gives good and relevant results.
Musaca also advises that internet users should only give their financial details – such as payment card data - only if the website is properly secured and its reputation is good.
“Try to choose payment methods which don’t require payment upfront. If PayPal is an option, choose that whenever possible. Otherwise, if you’ve ensured the safety of the website you’re on and you feel good about its reputation, then pay with a credit card”, he says.
“Always double check your bank accounts to make sure the amount you spent is the amount that was charged. If there is a discrepancy, contact the website where you made the purchase”, he adds.