In Online We Don't Trust: Survey Finds U.S. Consumers Wary of Password Security for e-Commerce
SAN FRANCISCO--(Business Wire)--
With 57 percent of Americans afraid someone will steal account
passwords when banking online and 38 percent who do not trust online
payments, banks and other e-commerce providers have a long way to go
to build consumer trust in the online channel, according to a survey
of 1,000 U.S. adults conducted by TNS Sofres for Gemalto, the world
leader in digital security. TNS Sofres is the largest custom research
provider in the United States.
The research, entitled "Digital Trust Barometer," focused on
people's attitudes and behavior concerning digital security and
technology. It showed people's concerns about digital security go
beyond the Internet. Only 22 percent felt "very good" about the
security in any of the digital technology they use, indicating the
vast majority of Americans remain wary.
Identity theft topped the list of their fears at 74 percent, and
44 percent were afraid of online bank account hijacking. Apparently
for good reason--fully 21 percent of respondents had already suffered
from bank data theft.
The research showed large numbers of Americans liked the idea of a
personal portable security device that will protect them online; 37
percent were interested in a "USB key," like those containing smart
card technology, to secure Internet payments and online accounts.
The survey also proved there is an upside to restoring online
trust--40 percent of Americans declared they would purchase more
online if security was reinforced, and 49 percent would visit new
merchant websites. It was also clear there is a good "return on
branding" when people shop online; 87 percent of Americans said being
at a well known website is reassuring when paying online. Still, 44
percent of Americans are worried when they purchase with their credit
card online.
Asked whom they trust as a source of reliable information on
digital security, 42 percent of respondents believed friends and
family are the most reliable source for security advice. After
relatives, 27 percent of Americans considered companies specialized in
digital security as an accurate and reliable source of information.
Banks, at 7.6 percent, were a distant third as a trusted information
source.
The findings further suggest that converging banking and payment
services onto mobile handsets, such as those based on Near Field
Communications (NFC) standards, could be trusted by security wary
consumers.
About the Survey
This is the first Gemalto "Digital Trust Barometer," an annual
survey on digital security and digital lifestyle. TNS Sofres conducted
it in the United States from September to November 2007 in two steps.
First, two focus groups of ten people each, one between the ages of 16
to 34 years old and one 35 to 55 years old, gathered Web users'
perceptions, practices and needs regarding digital security and their
digital lifestyle. The second step was a telephone poll of 1,000
18-year-old and above adults, selected in a way representative of the
overall U.S. population. TNS Sofres is the largest custom research
provider in the United States.
About Gemalto
Gemalto (Euronext NL 0000400653 GTO) is the leader in digital
security with pro forma 2007 annual revenues of over EUR 1.6 billion,
more than 85 offices in 40 countries and about 10,000 employees
including 1,300 R&D engineers. In a world where the digital revolution
is increasingly transforming our lives, Gemalto's solutions are
designed to make personal digital interactions more convenient, secure
and enjoyable.
Gemalto provides end-to-end digital security solutions, from the
development of software applications through design and production of
secure personal devices such as smart cards, SIMs, e-passports and
tokens to the deployment of managed services for its customers. More
than a billion people worldwide use the company's products and
services for telecommunications, financial services, e-government,
identity management, multimedia content, digital rights management, IT
security, mass transit and many other applications.
As the use of Gemalto's software and secure devices increases with
the number of people interacting in the digital and wireless world,
the company is poised to thrive over the coming years. Gemalto was
formed in June 2006 by the combination of Axalto and Gemplus. For more
information, please visit www.gemalto.com.
Media:
Montner & Associates
Deb Montner, 203-226-9290
dmontner@montner.com
or
Gemalto
Colleen Henshaw, 512-257-3845
colleen.henshaw@gemalto.com
Copyright Business Wire 2008
