Reading – December 1st, 2009 – Sunbelt Software, the provider of Windows security software, today announced the results of its annual online shopping survey which reveal that while more than half (56 percent) of consumers have security concerns about using credit and debit cards online, more than 90 percent will still do so this Christmas.
In fact, despite security concerns, more than 60 percent of all respondents will be doing more online shopping this holiday season than in 2008.
In recent years, the Christmas shopping season has become synonymous with an increase in cyber crime. Cyber criminals take advantage of increased online consumer activity in a number of ways, from creating fake shopping sites to tricking consumers into clicking on infected Web links with the promise of exclusive online savings or a Christmas themed e-card.
Sunbelt Software’s survey of more than 650 consumers found that:
- More than 90 percent will shop online this Christmas;
- A majority (56 percent) of respondents admit having security concerns about using their credit and debit cards online;
- 60 percent of all respondents plan to do more of their shopping online compared to last year; and
- More than a third (36 percent) regularly receive special online offers via email or social networking sites.
“We are entering the busiest time of the year for consumers, retailers, and cyber criminals,” said Sunbelt Software Sales Director EMEA, David Parkin. “Cyber criminals feast on the fact that consumers are increasingly participating in ecommerce and online social networking with PCs that are unprotected against the latest threats.”
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