![Consumer Concern Over Privacy & Data Security, August 2015 [CHART]](https://trends.e-strategyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/195404.gif "Chart - Consumer Concern Over Privacy & Data Security")
AYTM Market Research found in August that 18% of US internet users were very concerned with online privacy and security, with another 19.7% responding with general concern. Only 5% responded that they were very unconcerned with privacy and security, so the issue is clearly one that affects vast swaths of US internet users whether retailers are involved or not.
A survey conducted by Harris Interactive provides some insight into just what they’re worried about. Among the internet users surveyed, 45% cited fears about online hackers gaining access to their social security number, while personal banking information (27%) and credit card numbers (13%) were the next-most-frequent concerns. Only 4% responded that they had no concerns.
With over two-thirds of US internet users concerned about a retailer’s ability to keep their personal information secure, the spate of high-profile hackings and identity thefts most likely did nothing to shore up doubts. Still, there aren’t really other options for consumers except to stop making purchases. If US internet users are to feel comfortable, vendors both online and in-store certainly need to work to assuage the minds of consumers. Read the rest at eMarketer.
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