WEBROOT® RESEARCH FINDING: CONVENIENCE OUTWEIGHS CAUTION FOR ONLINE HOLIDAY SHOPPING

Boulder, Colo., - Webroot Software, Inc., a leading provider of Internet security software for the consumer, enterprise and SMB markets, today reported the results of its latest research, “State of Internet Security: Protecting Consumers Online”. According to the report, shopping online is expected to increase worldwide this holiday season along with the threats to online shoppers. The report revealed that a surprisingly large number of Internet users are not taking the steps necessary to ensure their privacy and personal information while online shopping. This lack of precaution will put them at risk of becoming a victim of cyber crime. The report further discusses specific risks, how to identify them and how to protect against cyber threats.

“Today’s cyber criminals are financially motivated and this is a key money-making season for them. With high percentages of online shoppers using their credit and debit cards unaware of the security risks or necessary precautions, it’s going to be open season for cyber criminals,” said Mike Irwin, COO, Webroot Software. “Last year we saw a 173 percent spike in spyware in the October to December time frame. Twenty percent of that spike involved new malware; clearly, these thieves are literally breaking out their finest new malware for the season.”

“The State of Internet Security: Protecting Consumers Online” report found that seven out of 10 respondents worldwide are not concerned about the security of transactions. Correspondingly, 70 percent of online shoppers express no misgivings about entering their credit card number when making an online purchase. However, one out of every seven respondents worldwide has fallen victim to some form of online fraud, including stolen credit card numbers, stolen bank account information, or some other form of identity theft.

In the United States, that number was even higher. Over one in five online shoppers in the U.S. suffered online fraud, stolen bank or credit card numbers or identity theft. At the other end of the spectrum, one of the safest countries for online shoppers is Japan, which might be because they have the largest number of people shopping on the Web with mobile phones and devices that are secured by wireless providers. Of the Japanese online shoppers who use Windows-based PCs, 39.9 percent don’t have any spyware protection at all.

Report Highlights:
• Almost 70 percent of respondents had no concern about online transaction security.
• One in seven respondents has been a victim of either online fraud, a stolen bank or credit card number, or identity theft.
• Only 20 percent will alter the amount of online shopping they do despite the risks because of the convenience.
• Thirty percent will not check their credit reports (in countries where applicable) to determine if they have a problem.
• Almost 40 percent do not have an antispyware software program safe-guarding their computer.

Safe Online Holiday Shopping
In conjunction with the “State of Internet Security: Protecting Consumers Online” report, Webroot has released “A Handbook to Safe Online Holiday Shopping”, which includes tips for safer online shopping and information about how to identify secure shopping Web sites.

“By adequately protecting their computers and following a few security steps, consumers can lower their risk of being a victim of cyber crime,” said Irwin. “What we learn by surveying consumers around the world is that people who take the proper precautions have some of the lowest infection rates. In today’s world of cyber crime, online shoppers need to tip the scales in their favor by taking every precaution available to ensure a safe holiday season.”

Top Five Steps to Protect Against Cyber Crime
1. Install Security Software: A layered approach to security is best. Your PC should have three types of security software installed and up-to-date: antispyware, antivirus and a firewall.
2. Know the Retailer: Do business with companies you already know and trust. If you are unfamiliar with the retailer you want to purchase from, it is best to look for more information about the company. You can do this by contacting the Better Business Bureau or the Office of the State Attorney General (in the state where the retailer is located), which can be accessed through the National Association of Attorneys General.
3. Monitor Your Credit: Many victims do not realize they are a victim until they have lost a lot of money. It is important to monitor your credit report and/or credit status on a regular basis to quickly spot anything unusual. Credit reporting agencies such as Equifax, Experian and TransUnion are good resources to utilize.
4. Use a Credit Card not a Debit Card: If you are a victim of fraud or cyber crime, most credit card agreements limit your liability for the charges. Additionally, U.S., Federal law limits your liability for unauthorized charges to $50 if a credit card is used.
5. Ask About a “Single Use” Credit Card: Many credit card companies are using a new technology that allows them to issue single use credit card numbers for online purchases – you can avoid using your real credit card number online.

For more tips on safe online shopping, visit www.webroot.com/sois and get the handbook.

The State of Internet Security report is issued quarterly as an in-depth review and analysis of the most critical computer and data security-related concerns. Each report focuses on a specific aspect of information security, and provides industry data, trends and best practices in light of the threat landscape. The State of Internet Security: Protecting Consumers Online report includes survey results of 3,626 individuals across six countries: Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. The complete report is available at www.webroot.com/sois.

ABOUT WEBROOT:
Webroot Software, Inc. provides industry leading security software for consumers, enterprises and small and medium businesses worldwide. Globally recognized for its award-winning Spy Sweeper® line of antispyware and antivirus products, Webroot® security software consistently receives top review ratings by respected third-party outlets and has been adopted by millions globally. Webroot AntiVirus and AntiSpyware with Firewall provides complete protection against viruses, spyware, data theft and hackers. Webroot Child Safe® offers powerful and easy to use protection to keep kids safe online. Webroot Window Washer® eliminates all traces of PC and Internet activity. Available either as branded solutions or on an OEM basis, Webroot products can be found online at www.webroot.com and on the shelves of leading retailers worldwide. To find out more, visit www.webroot.com or call 1-800-772-9383.


©2007 Webroot Software, Inc. All rights reserved. Webroot, Window Washer, Child Safe, and Spy Sweeper are registered trademarks or trademarks of Webroot Software, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.


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