UK Consumers Wise Up To Internet Security Threats But Most Still Vulnerable To Online Scams
Almost every UK consumer has taken steps to protect their computer from security threats, but most are failing to cover themselves against all online scams, according to new research from online shopping portal www.mutualpoints.com
98% of 9,790 people surveyed in May said they had installed anti-virus software on their PCs, while 93% of the total sample had a firewall running. Just over four fifths (85.5%) had anti-spyware installed on their computers.
Only 1.6% of UK consumers felt it wasn't important to have security software to protect them while they were shopping online.
Despite this level of vigilance, the study revealed that anti-hacker and anti-abuse software are being overlooked by the majority of UK Internet users. Almost half (46.8%) had no anti-hacker protection, and around two thirds (64.9%) had failed to install anti-abuse software, which blocks unwanted and malicious email and offensive online content.
Overall, 88% felt they had adequate security protection on their PCs, but two thirds of Britons felt their ISPs didn't provide them with adequate protection while they were using the Internet.
MutualPoints' survey showed a high level of awareness among UK internet users about the different types of online security threats they face. Over 90% of those questioned understood the meaning of virus, hacker and spyware, while over 80% were aware of the terms trojan and worm.
However, over a third (38%) of UK consumers didn't understand the term phishing; one of the most prolific types of Internet fraud where emails purportedly from a bank or financial institution are sent asking recipients to confirm personal information such as their account details.
MutualPoints also looked at online shopping habits in the UK. It found that shoppers are spending significant sums and making regular purchases online - over a third (36.4%) of Britons were happy to spend £500 or more in any one online shopping transaction.
Furthermore, almost two thirds (63.2%) of the total sample said they had spent over £100 buying a single item from a Web site.
According to the research, almost a quarter (23%) of Britons shop online every week. In a further boost for UK e-tailers, 44% of respondents said they bought goods and services via the Internet on a monthly basis. Only 2.5% said they never shopped online.
Reproduced from an article published by IT Shield
© IT Shield
The original article can be viewed here:
http://www.theitshield.com/pr/8696
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