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Nadine Wimmer ReportingNew research shows online sales have actually declined, because Americans are losing confidence in the security of the Internet. Cyber Security leaders recently asked Utah lawmakers to help.
Cynthia Bronson: "I don't feel my information is safe online."
Nancy Neely: "Because you hear so much about identity theft, so we don't do a lot."
A growing number of people will only shop in person because they fear for their personal information.
Lewis and Joan Kautz: "We worry about someone hacking into you and getting your credit card information, or whatever else might be on your computer."
Robert Clyde, Symantec: "This is a big deal. People aren't feeling safe enough online."
Clyde and other company leaders belonging to the Cyber Security Alliance have analyzed troubling data. 50-percent of Americans avoid purchasing online because of identity theft. Only 44-percent feel their information is safe, and with good reason.
Robert Clyde, Symantec: "The nature of the attack has shifted. Previously, about a year and a half ago, attackers really wanted to show off. Can I hack into a system to prove I can do it? Nowadays, attackers are trying to steal money."
Advocates want state lawmakers, and ultimately congress, to get involved by better protecting government systems, a need underscored by the recent theft of Veteran Affairs records. They also want basic computer safety practices taught in schools and small businesses.
One of the best ways you can stay safe, they advise getting one credit card, not a debit card, but a card protected against fraud, and use it for all your online purchases. That way, it's easier to track.
Also, if paying bills online, go through your bank, not the company's "auto pay system". Only register on trusted sites and check statements for even small, unexpected charges.
Robert Clyde: "What the bad guys have learned is to make small charges every month. So even that $5, $10 charge that doesn't seem that significant, that may be the fraudulent charge."
If you'd like a free way to check if your computer has adequate protection against spyware and other threats, check out the link at the top right of this story.
