• by Ray Schultz , October 20, 2020

Most U.S. consumers will do some or all of their shopping online this holiday season. But they are worried about data security, according to a study by PCI Pal, a provider of payment tools.

Of the consumers polled, 70% agree they will buy online. But they are loyal, with 86% planning to shop with their favorite retailers, 54% planning to shop online and 32% planning to shop in-store.

However, 60% are more concerned about data security due to COVID-19, and 20% see online shopping as the least secure method of purchasing. In contrast, 57% say buying in-store is the most secure way.

But 70% say a single data breach or slip-up would cause them to stop shopping with a brand — perhaps permanently. Meanwhile, 36% prefer email for their customer service needs, while 33% choose the phone. 

In a separate finding, 46% say social media is their least trusted shopping channel.

“Retailers face an unpredictable and unexpectedly challenging year due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” concludes Geoff Forsyth, CISO at PCI Pal.

Forsyth adds, “What they can control, however, is delivering a seamless, secure shopping experience in-store and across digital shopping channels to offer customers much-needed peace of mind this holiday season.”