Report: Consumers not stymied by online security concerns

When it comes to the concerns about online security, US consumers may be all bark and no bite. New data out from Symantec finds that while US shoppers know there are security issues in the online space, they continue to act as if their information will never be stolen. While about 75% report they've bailed on an online purchase that seemed iffy, security-wise, only about 15% are using secure connections while on social media.

by Kristina Knight

The new report finds that only about 55% of consumers leave a site without SSL encryption even though 80% reported that they knew they 'should look' for the padlock icon. Another iffy stat: 81% reported that they knew they should look to ensure domain URLs match up with certificate domains but only 56% actually leave sites where this information isn't the same.

So far in 2011, ecommerce is faring well. M:commerce and social commerce is also heating up. In fact, the National Retail Federation reports that, for the twelfth straight month retail sales have grown. They estimated that total June sales increased 5.5 (YoY). No numbers are yet in for online-only sales. The increase for June was primarily seen in apparel and building material/garden equipment sales.

"With the summer season well underway, retailers are hoping this momentum continues through the back to school season," said NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz. "Knowing that shoppers remain concerned about the economy, companies have already begun offering aggressive promotions to entice shoppers."

Which brings us back to the Symantec report. Overall, about 98% of US consumers reported they were at least 'somewhat' concerned about online privacy. Still, those concerns aren't being out-weighed by the ease of online shopping or online banking.

Tags: ecommerce, National Retail Federation, online security, online shopping, secure servers, security concerns, Symantec