Consumers still lack awareness of basic online security alarms despite well publicized instances of data breaches and fraud.
A survey conducted by hosting specialist NetBenefit revealed 80 percent of consumers are concerned about Internet security when buying online but 70 percent of them did not understand the significance of the green internet browser bar (a signal the Web site the shopper is about to enter has been verified and identified as reputable).
Of the 1,286 consumers across the United Kingdom surveyed during December by the company, 20 percent did not understand the function of the golden padlock icon, which appears when shoppers are about to enter a secure website certified by Secure Sockets Layer.
According to NetBenefit COO Jonathan Robinson, the findings are a concern because approximately half of the respondents said they would be prepared to spend up to £500 (US$983) online.
Research from IMRG, which found £84 million (US$165 million) was spent online on Christmas Day alone, supports this.
Robinson said in a statement: "It is of the utmost importance that shoppers start to check up on their favorite shopping sites' security as only then will the United Kingdom's 62,000-plus Internet traders take the shoppers experience and safety more seriously."
Julian Goldsmith of Silicon.com reported from London.
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eBay Buyers Coddled at Sellers Expense
You may have heard that if you sell on eBay you may no longer leave negative feedback for a buyer. However, the buyer can leave negative feedback for you. eBay's rationale? Its research has shown that some buyers leave the site after they've received negative feedback.
Whatever happened to the adage "buyer beware?" Isn't it the buyer's responsibility to check out a seller before sending money to a virtual stranger? Apparently not.
eBay could have done other things to address this like further educating buyers about best (and safe) practices before allowing them to buy things on the site, providing pop-up information screens at crucial times in a transaction, etc. Instead they chose to neuter its sellers.
Buyers must take responsibility for their own actions, whether in a virtual store or one residing in the physical world. eBay's solution is no solution at all, especially if you're a seller.
Posted by Brad Schepp on Monday, March 10 2008 02:47 AM