Tech Bitch

It’s easy, it’s convenient, and you can do it naked. But how many of the UK’s 27 million e-shoppers actually know a secure Web site when they see one? Not a lot as it turns out.

We’re all concerned about the security of data. And I’m not just making it up - a survey conducted by managed hosting company NetBenefit reveals that over 80% of consumers are concerned over the security of their financial data when shopping online. While approximately half of those surveyed said they would be prepared to spend up to £500 online, 70% of shoppers don’t understand the significance of the green browser bar and 20% of those questioned do not understand what the golden security padlock represents.

Secure Web site technology has been in place for some time now and the industry has put standards in place to provide the online shopper with confidence, but in actual fact many shoppers simply do not have a clue. To cut a pretty long a boring story short, look out for the golden padlock in your browser. This will be displayed next to the browser bar and it contains details of the Web site’s security report.

If you have any doubts about the Web site that you are visiting (prOn sites are excused), look for the golden padlock and just right click to find out whether the certificate owner and the Web site match. If the security certificate has an extra level of validation in the shape of an Extended Validation certificate then the browser bar will turn green. It’s a shame the UK’s 62,000-plus Internet traders don’t take our safety concerns more seriously.