Security vendor Webroot Software Inc. conducted a new survey to find out how many Internet users prepared their computers for the upcoming online holiday shopping season and how many of them are really vulnerable to the attacks. The findings are at least surprising: 70 percent of the respondents had no concern when it comes to financial transactions and obviously didn't install any protection utilities. Moreover, 1 in 7 persons admitted he was victim of online fraud or identity theft, no matter how the attack was conducted. In addition, no less than 40 percent of the respondents are not protected by an anti-spyware solution.

"Today's cyber criminals are financially motivated and this is a key money-making season for them. With high percentages of online shoppers using their credit and debit cards unaware of the security risks or necessary precautions, it's going to be open season for cyber criminals," said Mike Irwin, COO, Webroot Software. "Last year we saw a 173 percent spike in spyware in the October to December timeframe. Twenty percent of that spike involved new malware; clearly, these thieves are literally breaking out their finest new malware for the season."

There's not much to know when planning to shop online because all you need to do is install a security solution able to protect the financial information you enter on several websites. With a continuously increasing number of threats, it's more and more difficult to defend your data so you're also advised to avoid running unknown and unstrusted files on your computer.

"By adequately protecting their computers and following a few security steps, consumers can lower their risk of being a victim of cyber crime. What we learn by surveying consumers around the world is that people who take the proper precautions have some of the lowest infection rates. In today's world of cyber crime, online shoppers need to tip the scales in their favor by taking every precaution available to ensure a safe holiday season," the Webroot official continued.