Consumers are holding businesses responsible for their personal data security, highlighting the need for online retailers to tighten their security practices, according to global digital security firm Gemalto.
According to a survey of more than 9,000 consumers in Australia and around the world, 70 per cent of people believe that companies are responsible for their data security, with less than a third of respondents believing companies are taking protection of their data seriously.
The research also revealed that more than 4.8 million data records have been breached globally since 2013, while 21 per cent of consumers who had their data affected experienced fraudulent use of their personal details, including identity theft.
Consumers were, in general, unhappy with the level of security provided by online retailers’ platforms, with only 25 per cent of respondents saying that the online stores they shop at employ two-factor authentication on all their apps and websites.
“Consumers have clearly made the decision that they are prepared to take risks when it comes to their security, but should anything go wrong, they put the blame with the business,” said Jason Hart, CTO, data protection at Gemalto.
“ With the impending threats of consumers taking legal action against companies, an education process is clearly needed to show consumers the steps they are taking to protect their data.”