While most online retailers are taking security issues seriously and protecting customers’ sensitive data, I still believe that consumers need to treat their personal details and online transactions with a greater sense of caution at all times.
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a positive step towards protecting sensitive customer data. However, many retailers still aren’t fully compliant with this legislation and, unknowingly, may be leaving the publics’ transactions at a greater risk of exploitation.
We are urging consumers to be vigilant when buying online, and to research the sites on which they intend to make a purchase. All retailers should be able to answer ‘Yes’ to the following three questions. Do you know where my information is? Do you do your best to restrict access to it? Do you know who has accessed my information?
While most consumers are aware of the risks surrounding card fraud and theft of their bank cards, more than a third of those end users surveyed by Which? had still suffered some kind of theft from their bank accounts or credit cards. Our advice to consumers is to continue enjoying the indisputable benefits that online shopping allows, but also to be cautious and guarded with their personal financial details.
Ritchie Jeune, Chief Executive Officer, Evolution Security Systems
