Press & PR

Consumers using the internet to make payments and access bank account details need to be informed of potential dangers, it has been suggested.

Following the launch of a new online payment system, eWise Systems spokesperson Mark Matthews has announced that in most cases, the biggest threat to online security begins with the careless user

"The only way to avoid fraud online is to educate the consumer," he said, adding that in experience dealing with online financial service providers, the "point of risk" normally lies with the customer.

A recent report has found that despite a consistent threat from online fraud, the number of people shopping online and accessing bank account information is increasing steadily.

The Apacs study found that around 15 million people in the UK accessed bank services online, while many more millions regularly purchasing goods over the internet.

However, a Cybersource survey found that despite growing media attention on the risks of internet security, 30 per cent of people have not changed their browsing habits to make their web experience safer.

Mr Matthews states that in order to make people feel safe when shopping online, companies should offer a range of secure payment methods.

Vonage provides a secure internet phone service that uses broadband connections to allow people to make cheap calls throughout the UK and abroad.