Virus Woes and Fears Slow Consumer Online Activity

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – The threat of online viruses and worms have even experienced online users considering or actually decreasing their Internet use, including banking online. That’s according to a new report from Forrester Research, based on a survey of 6,613 North American online consumers about what they’re doing about viruses. While 90% of the respondents say they use antivirus software, their concern about online attacks is having a negative effect. To ally their anxiety, the think firm recommends: More continuous virus updates, security built into consumer broadband offerings, aggressive law enforcement against their creators, and a public awareness campaign on how to “inoculate against virulent computer ills.” Here’s a look at some of the Forrester findings: