A study published yesterday on the Associated Press showed, that people are becoming more aware of the security of their private data.

Sixty-one percent of adult Americans said they were very or extremely concerned about the privacy of personal information when buying online, an increase from 47 percent in 2006.

This is a natural reaction, since reports are increasing on breaches of private information.

The Identity Theft Resource Center, for instance, listed more than 125 million records reported compromised in the United States last year. That’s a sixfold increase from the nearly 20 million records reported in 2006.

The paradox

It is interesting though, that two thirds of adult internet users continue buying products online. Of course with credit card frauds, “a customer’s liability is capped at $50, and even that amount is often waived”. But when we are dealing with identity theft, resolution may come after several years.

A very peculiar paradox. On the other hand people are worried about the integrity of their online data and on the other hand the continue shopping online. False priorities? Are people willing to risk their private data for comfort and availability?
I believe people are aware of the risk, but are engaged in a very (ir-?)rational thinking: It won’t happen to me.

Conclusion

The DavidAirey case a month or so ago reminds us, that identity theft can happen to all of us (do you consider your blog/website a part of your private data?).

With the developing privacy wars, the question still stands: Are users ready to have complete control over their private information?

If the subject has made you a bit more worried, here’s a starters guide to safeguard your privacy online, by Allan Leinwand.