The survey reveals that in spite of the threat from online fraud, 68%, i.e. more than two-thirds of Brits plan to purchase around half of their presents online for the Christmas. Moreover, according to the research, despite the online threat from malicious links, 52% of the surveyed online shoppers look for gift using search engines, with 38% users blindly relying on all the links appearing in the first two search result pages.

Webroot noted that it had witnessed a rise in phishing Trojans, which are sophisticated enough to steal passwords, credit card numbers and other important data, in the months approaching to the festive season.

According to Mike Kronenberg, Chief Technology Officer of Webroot's Consumer business, online shoppers must not forget that these hackers don't go on leave, so they should know their techniques, how they function, thereby evaluating the ways to protect themselves, as per the statement published by pcadvisor.co.uk on November 18, 2009.

Webroot recommends that in order to thwart online threat, users must consider some important tips. They must search and then click on the links judiciously. Users should not click on the links associated with unknown websites. As in the above case, if a person wants to search gifts via search engine, he/she must consider each an every result with caution, especially those which promise unbelievable schemes.

Furthermore, users should protect their systems with an Internet security package that includes antispyware, firewall technologies and antivirus. Also, in case a person is using antimalware, he must ensure that updates with latest malware definitions are installed. Updates to operating systems also require similar attention.

Experts strongly recommend online shoppers to keep a regular watch on the accuracy of their bank statements and credit card transactions, especially at the time of holiday shopping season. If any thing suspicious is detected, they must report to the concerned financial institution immediately.

All the security firms warn users to beware of spammers also. Paul Wood, intelligence senior analyst with MessageLabs, in the last week of October 2009 noted that spammers are leaving no stone unturned to earn huge bucks this holiday season, as reported by thetechherald.com.