Report: Anxious online shoppers not doing enough to protect themselves

A majority of self-described security-savvy online consumers are not taking the preventive measures they should be.



This was revealed in a new survey from Arbor Networks, which questioned 2,056 American adults about security concerns and incidents; computer and password protection; online practices, and impact to their shopping habits. For example, as cyber-attacks become increasingly mainstream, 75% of Americans are anxious about their personal online safety, specifically related to their security, privacy, malware or websites tracking them.



Their anxiety has also heightened their standards when it comes to shopping online. For example, 71% of shoppers agree if they hear that a retail store was a victim of a cyber security incident involving customers’ information, it makes them think twice about shopping there, data revealed.



“The relentless headlines about cyber-attacks have led to anxiety among a vast majority of Americans,” said Christopher Gaebler, chief marketing officer at Arbor Networks.



However, expectations have not translated into action on their part. When 64% of adults visit a major retail or social networking website, they always consider their information to be safe. Among millennials, its 71%. Meanwhile, 55% said if they receive an email from someone they know with a link, they usually click it even if they weren’t expecting anything, the report said.



Even more sobering is that 36% report they don’t think twice about sharing their personal information, such as addresses, locations, birthdays, kids’ and parents’ names and vacation plans, on social media channels. Among millennials, its 50%. Yet, 55% agree if they were hacked, they wouldn’t know what to do. Among millennials its 66%, data showed.



Despite attacks, “this has not driven people to do more to protect themselves online,” Gaebler said. “The survey suggested these same people have really poor online security practices, which only makes the attackers’ jobs easier. Although cyber attacks are becoming more common, consumers are not powerless.”



Among the basic steps that consumers can take to protect themselves include:



• Keep security software current.



• If you don’t recognize an email address, or if a message or link looks suspicious, delete it.



• Protect all devices, such as computers, smartphones, gaming systems and other Web-enabled devices, from viruses and malware.



• Use security software to scan USBs and other external devices for viruses and malware.