Online Safety Trends in UK

Despite the gloomy results of several security surveys, the chances of home PC users becoming victims of viruses, spyware, or phishing have declined in 2006. Recently British Computer Society (BCS) has conducted a survey on British citizens to find that people were putting efforts to fight back threats of viruses and spyware floating through the Internet. The Society found that nine in ten people take online precautions, yet 42 percent of home Internet users became victims of computer viruses or spyware.

People in UK are more safety-inclined when going online. In situations where two in three persons possess computers at home, over 90 percent of home Internet users presently take proactive measures to prevent security threats. Much the same 92 percent of online shoppers also take active precautions to keep away from fraud.

But on the other hand online banking is still subject to security risks and a major point of concern for people in UK. The survey says that while 34 percent of home online bankers are satisfied with the security of banks' service, 32 percent are doubtful about the existing security. 27 percent of people don't conduct online banking transactions for reasons not associated with security.

The survey also studied the behavior of consumers at their home Internet. 65 percent were found to use the Net for online research or learning, 58 percent used it for online shopping, 46 percent read news or information online, and 43 percent did online banking. These were some of the popular Internet activities.

Till recently home PC users were not prepared enough to defend themselves against attacks. Many of them did not update their security patches. Others did not run current anti-virus software and still more were not cautious in handling e-mail attachments. Users who are not methodical to take precautions are at risk of losing data or disclosing personal banking details, which could make them vulnerable to fraud.

It is therefore vital for home PC users to install anti-virus software and also firewalls to maintain safety of their systems. Similarly use of a 'dedicated payment service' or working on 'secure payment area' of Websites is beneficial too.

Related article: Online Card Fraud Shows Greater Tendency Than Chip and Pin

» SPAMfighter News - 8/30/2006