Study: Security Fears Hurting Web Businesses

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – As Americans become more aware of risks associated with identity theft and computer attacks, they are less likely to share personal information or make transactions online, according to an annual study conducted by RSA Security.

The phone survey of more than 1,000 computer users revealed that while 61 percent feel they are more informed about identity theft and computer attacks than they were a year ago, 23 percent feel more vulnerable.

About 43 percent of respondents said concerns over security weaknesses have prompted them to stop dealing with websites that require them to give out personal information. More than half or those surveyed — 53 percent — said they have lost confidence in traditional user ID/password-based security schemes, and 70 percent believe websites aren’t providing adequate protection for their personal information.

“Clearly, there’s a lot of work to be done if businesses want to build more online trust with consumers,” said John Worrall, vice president of worldwide marketing at RSA Security. “While awareness of threats remains high, consumer confidence in dealing with threats is low.”

According to the survey, poor management of PINs and passwords for access to online services is the top security concern for most users, and consumers are increasingly insisting that websites provide members with a second level of protection beyond passwords.

“We’ve seen the beginnings of a trend toward the widespread replacement of passwords with better authentication methods,” Worrall said. “Its continuation will help bridge the gap between consumer awareness of identity theft and actual protection against it.”

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Adult Networking Platform SpicyGigs.com Launches

SpicyGigs, a new adult industry networking platform, has officially launched.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Cream Pie Challenge' Fundraiser

Pineapple Support is hosting its Cream Pie Challenge through August to raise funds for mental health services for industry performers.

Kyrgyzstan President Signs Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday signed into law legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

NC Legislature Overrides Veto of Extreme Anti-Adult Industry Bill

The North Carolina state legislature on Tuesday voted to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of a bill imposing regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most creators and content.

Report: VPN Downloads Soar in UK Following Age Verification Deadline

Virtual private network apps, which can be used to circumvent geo-specific age verification requirements, are topping Apple App Store downloads in the U.K. in the wake of new Online Safety Act rules, the BBC is reporting.

Strike 3 Holdings Sues Meta for Pirating Vixen Media Group Content to Train AI

Vixen Media Group owner Strike 3 Holdings filed suit in federal court this week, accusing Facebook parent company Meta of copyright infringement and alleging that Meta has extensively pirated VMG content to train its artificial intelligence models.

Pineapple Support, Streamate to Host 'Navigating Grief and Loss' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Streamate are hosting a free online support group to help performers cope with grief and loss.

Friday is Final AV Compliance Deadline in UK

Friday, July 25 marks U.K. media regulator Ofcom’s deadline for user-to-user services such as tube, cam and fan sites to implement its requisite “highly effective age assurance” measures for preventing minors from viewing adult content.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches for May, June

AEBN has released the top search terms for the months of May and June from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Ofcom Releases Transparency Reporting Guidelines

Ofcom, the U.K. media regulator, has made public its official guidance detailing how online service providers — including adult sites — will be required to publish annual transparency reports on their efforts to protect children from online harms.

Show More