One in four respondents to a 1&1 UK survey believe small businesses are more likely to be a target for malicious online activity
One quarter of UK consumers have walked away from using or buying from a website due to fears around security, according to a report released Monday by web hosting provider 1&1 Internet.
The study is the UK counterpart to research it released in December on US online consumers, which found 29 percent of respondents have abandoned an online transaction or other interaction with a website because of security concerns.
1&1 surveyed more than 1500 UK adults, and found that 59 percent worry about the protection of the details they enter into business websites.
More than half of respondents recognize that threats such as malware and viruses are changing constantly, and one in four believe small businesses are more likely to be a target for malicious online activity. The consequences of malware infection for small businesses can include anything from loss of customer confidence to blacklisting by Google.
Small businesses are the target of many security services that web hosts offer, including a new malware vulnerability scanner launched last week from 6Scan aimed specifically at SMB hosting customers.
The motivation behind the 1&1 study is certainly a push for customers to buy its new website vulnerability scanner it launched in partnership with SiteLock, but it proves the broad influence security has on online consumers’ attitudes.
High-profile security breaches have done well to serve as sort of a warning to customers who blindly trust that their information online is safe. More consumers are becoming aware of the risks, 1&1 said, as 55 percent of Britons understand that many websites that capture data can be a target for cyber criminals, and one in five have had their own, or know someone who has, had details lost or taken as a result of a business website.
Talk back: What kinds of security services do you offer to ensure hosting customers keep their websites safe? Are you surprised that consumers are less likely to trust small business websites? Let us know in a comment.
About Nicole Henderson
Nicole Henderson is the Editor in Chief of the Web Host Industry Review where she covers daily news and features online, as well as in print. She has a bachelor of journalism from Ryerson University in Toronto. You can find her on Twitter @NicoleHenderson.
