UAE Internet users feel threatened by online fraud

The survey was conducted amongst 400 shoppers who regularly use the Internet for a number of purposes, such as banking, shopping and emailing.

Of the 400 respondents, 53% bank online, of which more than 81% are concerned not only about credit card security on the Internet, but also about having their online bank / web account accessed fraudulently by hackers. This statistic proved especially interesting as 92% of the respondents have never been the target of online fraudulent activity.

"The recent rise of phishing activity in the region, particularly in the UAE, has made people more aware of the threats the Internet can pose to personal information," said Kevin Isaac, Regional Director, Symantec MENA. "It is up to the individuals themselves to ensure they have the right security software to protect their system from online fraud."

Despite the growing concern about online fraud attacks shown by Symantec's survey, only 47% of respondents actually have security solutions in place to protect their systems while surfing the Internet

"It is evident that Internet users in the UAE perceive such solutions as being too complicated or inconvenient, which in turn highlights low awareness of easy-to-use existing solutions," said Isaac.

A whopping 83% of respondents have claimed that they would definitely transact online more if a safer, easier and more convenient security option was offered.

"These figures are indicative of the fact that people need to be more aware of the latest security solutions available to them," said Isaac. "There are a number of vendors and solutions available to people. However, consumers using these solutions need to understand that without regularly updating the software, none of these products are up-to-speed and cannot deal with all threats when they arise."

Isaac added that the recently launched Norton Confidential, the world's first comprehensive online transaction security solution, addresses on-line security at the point when consumers are most at risk- at the very moment they begin sharing their sensitive, confidential information like passwords and account numbers. Key features of the solution include phishing protection, web site authentication, crimeware protection, password security and password blocking.

"There is a serious risk to data and information stored on personal computers and laptops, and we strongly urge all Internet users to take the necessary precautions before logging onto their online bank or web accounts," concluded Isaac.