Online festive shopping trends

A research sample of 200 South Africa consumers at 20 stores nationwide were asked whether they would be transacting online during the upcoming festive season for their gifts and groceries or sending of overseas greeting cards.

"While only 22% indicated that they are very likely to utilise the Internet for their end-of-year goodies shopping, what is encouraging to note is that 28% are somewhat likely to make use of the digital world, demonstrating to us the ongoing acceptance of the Internet as more than a mere information tool," says Premlan Padayachi, consumer country manager at Symantec Africa.

CDs still top

Further insight revealed by the survey includes; of all the respondents, only 50% currently purchase goods over the Internet - CDs are still the running favourite item, with just over 31% indicating that this is their option of choice online, while books and games follow closely, and food and toys receive a much lower rating at 7% and 10% respectively.

While only 48% of respondents supplied a reason for their hesitation around online shopping, 28% of those indicated that they are somewhat concerned about credit card security. However, a much higher sample of 66% felt somewhat threatened by online fraud, with 37% of participants noting that they are worried that their bank accounts would be fraudulently accessed via online shopping.

"It was not surprising that only 51% of our respondents indicated that they did not trust that online transactions where safe and secure. However, it is comforting to note that 72% of the participants in this survey utilise a security solution to protect their PC when transacting online, with Norton Products achieving over 46% of the votes in terms of actual products used," says Padayachi.

The most recent Symantec Internet Security Threat Report noted that home users are the most targeted attack sector, accounting for 86% of all targeted attacks. As computers in the home are less likely to have well-established security measures and practices in place; they are much more vulnerable to targeted attacks. Home users represent lucrative potential for identity theft, therefore many of the targeted attacks are used for fraud or other financially motivated crime.

Variety of techniques

Furthermore, attackers are now using a variety of techniques to escape detection and prolong their presence on systems to gain more time to steal information, hijack the computer for marketing purposes, provide remote access, or otherwise compromise confidential information for financial gain.

"During the festive season the Internet can provide consumers with a quicker and more convenient way of purchasing their gifts or groceries; however, people need to understand that as in the physical world, precautions needs to be taken to ensure your ongoing security," concludes Padayachi.

Tips

Some top tip festive season tips from Symantec:

• Use an Internet security solution that combines antivirus, firewall, intrusion detection and vulnerability management for maximum protection against blended threats
  
• Ensure that security patches are up-to-date
  
• Ensure that passwords are a mix of letters and numbers. Do not use dictionary words. Change passwords often
  
• Never view, open or execute any email attachment unless the purpose of the attachment is known
  
• Keep virus definitions updated. By deploying the latest virus definitions, consumers are protected against the latest viruses known to be spreading "in the wild"
  
• Consumers can get involved in fighting cyber crime by tracking and reporting intruders. With Symantec Security Check's tracing service, users can quickly identify the location of potential hackers and forward the information to the attacker's Internet Service Provider or local police
  
• Be aware of the differences between spyware and adware. Spyware has been used to make malicious attacks and further identity theft, while adware is often used to gather data for marketing purposes and has a valid, generally harmless purpose
  
• Don't just click those "Yes, I accept" buttons on end user licensing agreements (EULAs). Some spyware and adware applications can be installed after, or as a by-product of accepting the EULA. Read them carefully to examine what it means in terms of privacy. The agreement should clearly explain what the product is doing and provide an uninstaller
  
• Beware of programs that flash ads in the user interface. Many spyware programs track how you respond to these ads and their presence is a red flag. When you see ads in a programme's user interface, you may be looking at a piece of spyware.