In its survey, VeriSign shows that 85 percent of consumers say that trusting the site is most important when interacting on a Web site while sharing confidential information.

 

Whereas, nine percent fell about competitive pricing being most important and five percent said that convenience and ease to use was most important. Also 93 percent of respondents felt they would not transact on sites that are unsecured.

 

According to the survey, 76 percent of consumers stated that theft is a big concern for them.

 

"Identity theft can be an avoidable evil, and as our research indicates, security-savvy consumers will put their money where their trust is," states Fran Rosch, senior vice president of Products and Strategy for VeriSign (News - Alert).

 

Rosch continued, "These consumers understand that the repercussions of identity theft outweigh the few dollars they may be able to save by shopping on a questionable Web site, which is why 85 percent opt for sites they trust."

 

In today's online environment, trust is still the most important for all customer relationships, and can get only by providing security mechanisms like two-factor authentication, encryption, and validation for the authenticity of the Web site.

 

The survey revealed some more findings like, 86 percent using a simple user name and password to enter accounts, 62 percent looking for the lock icon in the address bar, 55 percent looking for a logo or seal from the firm providing Internet security, 52 percent looking for https:// in the address bar and 26 percent trying to find green address bar.

 

"The best security for consumers is education and using the latest tools and technologies that are out there to help counter fraud," comments Craig Spiezle, chairman and founder of the Authentication and Online Trust Alliance (AOTA).

 

"As we move more and more of our lives online -- for example, banking, shopping, paying bills, communicating, registering, renewing, etc. -- fraud threats follow closely behind. The key is to keep one step ahead by knowing how to protect yourself online, embracing best practices and using the latest technologies. Today more than ever users need to update their browsers with integrated security and privacy features to help stay ahead of the criminals."

 

VeriSign, Inc. (News - Alert) is a provider of Internet infrastructure services and helps companies and consumers with communications and commerce.