By George Anderson
Whether shopping online or in stores, consumers are concerned about their personal information finding its way into the hands of criminals.
A new IBM survey of 1,000 consumers found:
- 14 percent have had their personal and/or credit card information stolen
- 10 percent had their information stolen during a holiday period
- 61 percent are concerned about having their information stolen
- 66 percent say they are more concerned this year than last
- 49 percent believe the use of biometrics would offer greater security
- 40 percent believe more sophisticated encryption technology is the answer for more secure transactions
- 32 percent believe iris scans could reduce theft
"Consumers buy from retailers they trust and those retailers who are making security a priority will have a competitive advantage," said Joseph L. Gagnon, global retail leader, IBM. "Advanced technologies, from sophisticated encryption to bio-metric technologies, are being developed by researchers to help retailers increase security and build that all-important trust with shoppers."
As to who is responsible for safeguarding their information, respondents to the study said:
- Credit card companies - 27 percent
- Retailers - 15 percent
- Individuals themselves - 26 percent.
Moderator's Comment: Is the perception that a retailer is "safe" a competitive advantage? How do retailers communicate to consumers that their security is a priority? - George Anderson - Moderator