Consumers Focus on Security Brand Names

For most people, online security boils down to whose software you're using.

Marketers rejoice: a new study found thatconsumers’ perceptions of their own risk on the Internet are heavily influenced by the brand of security software their organizations use. In other words, most people are hashing out securityin terms like “McAfee versus Symantec,” not “WEP versus WPA.” The study was completed by the growth consulting firm Frost & Sullivan.

"There is no evidence that one vendor makes a user more secure than another," said Frost & Sullivan Industry Manager Robert Ayoub, in a release. "It’s interesting to see that somevendors make customers feel more secure."

The study also found a disconnect between what security features users were interested in and what organizations ending up spending money on. Ayoub urged more caution on the behalf of buyers.

"Considering the damage that could be potentially caused by cyber criminals, it is imperative that organizations align their spending with their priorities," said Ayoub. "Simply payinglip service to security initiatives will not protect companies from the backlash of a successful attack."

The study concluded that security vendors should deliver on real-world
business problems, rather than perceived theoretical risk.