still key in online service

Consumers are making security a priority when going online, and online service providers should take heed.

Curry points out that more than half of the survey respondents say they are less likely to share information and interact on Web sites that do not address their security concerns.

According to a global online consumer survey by RSA, the security division of EMC Corp, consumers believe that their identities should be better protected than a simple username and password on social networking (59 per cent), healthcare (64 per cent), government (70 per cent) and online banking (80 per cent) Web sites.

And nine in 10 consumers are willing to use a stronger form of security if offered.

What this means for online service providers is that they must step up their security measures so consumers are comfortable doing their transactions on their sites, said RSA’s marketing chief technical officer Sam Curry.

“Online banking continues to provide significant levels of convenience for consumers, with quick access to checking and savings accounts, and the ability to pay bills automatically, transfer funds and perform other transactions.

“There is dramatic adoption of the use of social networks in which people use to form and nurture personal and professional relationships.

And healthcare organisations as well as local, state and federal government agencies are bringing the convenience of online services to the consumer, offering access to personal healthcare records, driver’s licence renewal and payment of tax bills.

“However, more than half of all survey respondents say they are less likely to share information and interact on these Web sites if their concerns on security are not addressed.”

According to Curry, consumers today look for security questions, related security logos and verification before transacting online.

“If an organisation’s site doesn’t have these features, they (consumers) will go elsewhere.”

Organisations must understand the cyber security threat landscape, monitor the environment and get efficient tools to secure their services, Curry pointed out.

“We have to think of cyber criminals as financially motivated. Within their ecosystem, the cost to break into an online service system is low.

 To have minimum security against such a scenario, organisations need to raise the cost, and this requires greater and smarter investment in security.”

RSA’s survey was conducted last October across North America, South America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific (including Malaysia). Respondents totalled 4,539 consumers aged 18 to 65.