13/02/2009

Fears regarding online security and fraud are preventing half of consumers in the UK from shopping on the internet, according to new research.

Results from a study by Cybersource revealed that 41 per cent of people who do not shop online refrain because of concerns about security.

Up to 66 per cent said they were worried about the level of risk of becoming victim to fraud while on the internet while approximately a third said they were concerned as either they or someone they knew had been caught out online.

Simon Stokes, managing director of CyberSource, commented that it is not surprising many shoppers are frightened of shopping online because there is a great deal of media coverage warning of the dangers.

'As more people gain access to the internet and realise the convenience, value, and safety of shopping online, I believe we'll see a higher percentage trying and staying with this form of purchase,' he added.

Webroot, a security software provider, is urging consumers to be more aware of the sort of online security their computers have before going on the internet.