An Entersekt survey on attitudes to online shopping and banking, carried out by OnePoll, has revealed consumers' fears. The study of 1,000 people found that 41 per cent are convinced their accounts will be breached in the future.

And 53% said they had either been directly affected by card fraud or knew someone who had.

Customers are reluctant to let their credit cards out of their sight with only 13 per cent doing so in the last six months when completing a transaction in a shop or restaurant. However online just two thirds (69 per cent) of people make sure they know how secure their transaction will be before completing the process.

Interestingly, when comparing the sexes, there was a marked contrast in attitudes towards the risks associated with online banking and shopping. For example, women had greater reservations about the security of online banking and shopping with 51 per cent worried about conducting financial transactions, versus 41 per cent of men.

Seventy-two percent will look at how secure the transaction process will be versus 65 per cent of men. However, both sexes are agreed that they would change their bank because of lack of security (70 per cent).

When asked who would bear the cost if a card was used without authorisation, 85 per cent believe it is the bank or card issuer. In fact, when fraud occurs, it is the merchant who is ultimately responsible and faces the financial hit.

Reassuringly, customers are not deterred by robust security practices. Contrary to some perceptions, 78 per cent of consumers are in favour of using keys, fobs and passwords in an effort to increase security. In fact, only 18 per cent would prefer reduced security as a payoff to having less hassle.

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