Study: Leaks Affect Consumer ConfidenceStudy: Leaks Affect Consumer Confidence

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. -- Consumers strongly prefer to buy from companies that have not suffered data leaks, losses or theft, according to a new survey conducted for Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (Nasdaq: CHKP), the worldwide leader in securing the Internet.

The Check Point & YouGov* survey of over 2100 British consumers highlighted how consumers’ trust of a company and its brand was affected by leakage or theft of personal, confidential data. It also showed how important it is to consumers that companies secure and protect their personal data, such as credit card details, addresses and other sensitive records.

The survey found that 91% of the sample would actively prefer to buy from a company that had never had a data breach, in preference to one that had suffered a breach. 39% of respondents went further, saying they would not buy again from a company that had lost data, if they could buy the same goods or services elsewhere.

Nick Lowe, Check Point’s regional director for Northern Europe said: “This year has seen several leading, international companies and Government departments suffering large-scale data losses, either through malicious hacking attempts, or simple loss or theft of discs and laptop computers. This has made consumers much more aware of the risks to their personal data once it is outside of their control.”

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (Nasdaq: CHKP)