Webroot® Research Finding: Convenience
Outweighs Caution for Online Holiday Shopping
Lack of Concern for Internet Security, Rising Threats and Increasing
Numbers of Shoppers Will Lead to Banner Year for Cyber Crime
BOULDER, Colo. (Business Wire EON/PRWEB ) November 19, 2007 --
Webroot
Software, Inc., a leading provider of Internet security software for
the consumer, enterprise and SMB markets, today reported the results of
its latest research, “State
of Internet Security: Protecting Consumers Online.”
According to the report, shopping online is expected to increase
worldwide this holiday season along with the threats to online shoppers.
The report revealed that a surprisingly large number of Internet users
are not taking the steps necessary to ensure their privacy and personal
information while online shopping. This lack of precaution will put them
at risk of becoming a victim of cyber crime. The report further
discusses specific risks, how to identify them and how to protect
against cyber threats.
“Today’s cyber
criminals are financially motivated and this is a key money-making
season for them. With high percentages of online shoppers using their
credit and debit cards unaware of the security risks or necessary
precautions, it’s going to be open season for
cyber criminals,” said Mike
Irwin, COO, Webroot Software. “Last year
we saw a 173 percent spike in spyware in the October to December
timeframe. Twenty percent of that spike involved new malware; clearly,
these thieves are literally breaking out their finest new malware for
the season.”
“The
State of Internet Security: Protecting Consumers Online”
report found that seven out of 10 respondents worldwide are not
concerned about the security of transactions. Correspondingly, 70
percent of online shoppers express no misgivings about entering their
credit card number when making an online purchase. However, one out of
every seven respondents worldwide has fallen victim to some form of
online fraud, including stolen credit card numbers, stolen bank account
information, or some other form of identity theft.
In the United States, that number was even higher. Over one in five
online shoppers in the U.S. suffered online fraud, stolen bank or credit
card numbers or identity theft. At the other end of the spectrum, one of
the safest countries for online shoppers is Japan, which might be
because they have the largest number of people shopping on the Web with
mobile phones and devices that are secured by wireless providers. Of the
Japanese online shoppers who use Windows-based PCs, 39.9 percent don’t
have any spyware protection at all.
Report Highlights:
-
Almost 70 percent of respondents had no concern about online
transaction security.
-
One in seven respondents has been a victim of either online fraud, a
stolen bank or credit card number, or identity theft.
-
Only 20 percent will alter the amount of online shopping they do
despite the risks because of the convenience.
-
Thirty percent will not check their credit reports (in countries where
applicable) to determine if they have a problem.
-
Almost 40 percent do not have an antispyware software program
safe-guarding their computer.
Safe Online Holiday Shopping
In conjunction with the “State
of Internet Security: Protecting Consumers Online”
report, Webroot has released “A
Handbook to Safe Online Holiday Shopping,”
which includes tips for safer online shopping and information about how
to identify secure shopping Web sites.
“By adequately protecting their computers and
following a few
security steps, consumers can lower their risk of being a victim of
cyber crime,” said Irwin. “What
we learn by surveying consumers around the world is that people who take
the proper precautions have some of the lowest infection rates. In today’s
world of cyber crime, online shoppers need to tip the scales in their
favor by taking every precaution available to ensure a safe holiday
season.”
Top Five Steps to Protect Against Cyber Crime
1. Install Security Software: A layered approach to security is
best. Your PC should have three types of security software installed and
up-to-date: antispyware,
antivirus and a firewall.
2. Know the Retailer: Do business with companies you already know
and trust. If you are unfamiliar with the retailer you want to purchase
from, it is best to look for more information about the company. You can
do this by contacting the Better
Business Bureau or the Office of the State Attorney General (in the
state where the retailer is located), which can be accessed through the National
Association of Attorneys General.
3. Monitor Your Credit: Many victims do not realize they are a
victim until they have lost a lot of money. It is important to monitor
your credit report and/or credit status on a regular basis to quickly
spot anything unusual. Credit reporting agencies such as Equifax,
Experian and TransUnion
are good resources to utilize.
4. Use a Credit Card not a Debit Card: If you are a victim of
fraud or cyber crime, most credit card agreements limit your liability
for the charges. Additionally, U.S. Federal law limits your liability
for unauthorized charges to $50 if a credit card is used.
5. Ask About a “Single Use”
Credit Card: Many credit card companies are using a new technology
that allows them to issue single use credit card numbers for online
purchases – you can avoid using your real
credit card number online.
For more tips on safe online shopping, visit www.webroot.com/sois
and get the handbook.
The
State of Internet Security report is issued quarterly as an in-depth
review and analysis of the most critical computer and data
security-related concerns. Each report focuses on a specific aspect of
information security, and provides industry data, trends and best
practices in light of the threat landscape. The
State of Internet Security: Protecting Consumers Online report
includes survey results of 3,626 individuals across six countries:
Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United
States. The complete report is available at www.webroot.com/sois.
ABOUT WEBROOT:
Webroot Software, Inc. provides industry-leading security software for
consumers, enterprises and small and medium businesses worldwide.
Globally recognized for its award-winning Spy
Sweeper® line of antispyware and
antivirus products, Webroot® security
software consistently receives top review ratings by respected
third-party outlets and has been adopted by millions globally. Webroot
AntiVirus and AntiSpyware with Firewall provides complete protection
against viruses, spyware, data theft and hackers. Webroot
Child Safe® offers powerful and easy to
use protection to keep kids safe online. Webroot Window
Washer® eliminates all traces of PC and
Internet activity. Available either as branded solutions or on an OEM
basis, Webroot products can be found online at www.webroot.com
and on the shelves of leading retailers worldwide. To find out more,
visit www.webroot.com or call
1-800-772-9383.
©2007 Webroot Software, Inc. All rights
reserved. Webroot, Window Washer, Child Safe, and Spy Sweeper are
registered trademarks or trademarks of Webroot Software, Inc. in the
United States and other countries. All other trademarks are properties
of their respective owners.
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