COPENHAGEN, June 24, 2002 - With "always-on" Internet connections becoming more common in the European home, personal Internet security is more important now than ever, IDC's annual econsumer survey reveals. European consumers are more worried about Internet security than in the previous year.
"The Internet is a great place to get information and entertainment, communicate with others and shop. It provides speed, availability and convenience to consumers all over the world," said Thomas Raschke, from IDC's European Internet Security program. "But do you know exactly what happens to the information you send through cyberspace - say, your personal credit card details - when shopping online? Or what do you do when the Internet reaches out for your home PC and wants more than you are prepared to give? These issues worry European Internet users."
IDC surveyed more than 12,000 European citizens in 14 countries about their worries regarding credit card and homebanking fraud, file theft, email fraud, and computer viruses. The fear of complete or partial loss of data due to computer viruses ranks number one, closely followed by the fear of credit card information theft. Online or offline computer data theft ranks at number three, while email security and homebanking are fairly safe in the eyes of European consumers.
The fear of viruses is very strong in Europe, and large antivirus software companies have managed to build considerable mindshare in Europe. The most recognized antivirus software products amongst European consumers are:
1. Norton by Symantec
2. McAfee, Dr. Solomon by Network Associates
3. Panda by Panda
But what features of antivirus software do European consumers value? Ease of installation is the most important attribute for AV software users, closely followed by ease of use. The ability to download the software instead of having to buy a software CD-Rom is another valued attribute. Price, however, is negligible as a concern in comparison to the other antivirus software attributes.
User Perception of Internet Security - European Consumer Survey 2002 (IDC#IS01J) is one of IDC's cornerstone reports within Internet security research, surveying consumer perception of Internet security in Western Europe. Data is based on IDC's econsumer survey, which includes 12,000 European citizens in 14 countries and defines differences and similarities across the continent. It tells the security industry what kind of products European consumers demand.
This report is available for purchase from your local IDC office or visit www.idc.com.
About IDC
IDC is the foremost global market intelligence and advisory firm helping clients gain insight into technology and ebusiness trends to develop sound business strategies. Using a combination of rigorous primary research, in-depth analysis, and client interaction, IDC forecasts worldwide markets and trends to deliver dependable service and client advice. More than 700 analysts in 43 countries provide global research with local content. IDC's customers comprise the world's leading IT suppliers, IT organizations, ebusiness companies, and the financial community. Additional information can be found at emea.idc.com. IDC is a division of IDG, the world's leading IT media, research and exposition company. # # # All product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
For more information, contact:
Thomas Raschke
+45 3916 22 21
traschke@idc.com