Due to fears over security and privacy breaches, it appears that a large portion of Americans are too afraid to use the Internet to its full capacity. In a new study, 45% out of 41,000 households surveyed were said to be too scared to buy items online, carry out virtual banking, or even use social media, because of the threat of data theft. This article states that close to 24 million American households have been a victim of some sort of security breach within the last 12 months.
However, online safety experts are imploring people not to lose faith in the Internet’s security measures altogether. Banks have their own very stringent safeguarding methods, and any legitimate online store will have DDoS protection and an SSL Certificate – designed to detect and counteract any cyber threat. Any emerging e-commerce business would do well to look at these online security measures when setting up a website. Furthermore, NTIA* policy analyst Rafi Goldberg discussed the present situation regarding fears of going online. “[We need] the Internet to share ideas, conduct financial transactions, and keep in touch with family, friends, and colleagues,” said Goldberg. “Users send and store personal medical data, business communications, and even intimate conversations over this global network. But for the Internet to grow and thrive, users must continue to trust that their personal information will be secure and their privacy protected.”
*National Telecommunications and Information Administration in the US Department of Commerce
