According to a recent survey by the Alliance of Cyber ??Security Industry (CSIA), more computer users are becoming increasingly insecure about using the Internet. Forty-eight percent of respondents do not shop online because they are afraid their financial information can be stolen. Fewer than one in five of the 1,150 U.S. adults respondents believe that laws can protect against identity theft fraud and other Internet crimes. Over two thirds (70 percent) want Congress to pass strong data protection laws.

Consumers have clearly noticed online threats and scams, but there have been few resources they can use to understand what are the immediate risks are and how they can more safely engage in their favorite online activities. Consumers want to be informed of the risk levels associated with common online activities and the precautions they can take to protect themselves. One such tool is the Symantec Internet Threat Meter, which helps computer users to be aware of the latest Internet threats and educates them about the steps they can take to protect their computers and personal information while online .

Although high-profile worms and other online attacks are not as visible as they have been in the past, Internet threats have changed and present further risks to consumers. Today's threats spread in a way, through many Web sites, instant messaging and email, but use more silent, the specific methods before. Many attacks are launched with criminal intent to steal users' personal data or to take over computers in order to launch targeted attacks that result in economic benefits for cybercriminals.

Symantec Internet Threat Meter helps consumers better understand the Internet landscape by adopting an approach based on activities. The index rates the four main activities online e-mail, Web activities, instant messaging and file sharing - in a low, medium or high risk based on triggers related to malware vulnerabilities, spyware, phishing fraud / online, online attacks and spam.

Consumers want to feel more confident about their safety when they are online, if they are communicating via e-mail, conduct financial transactions on the Internet, instant messaging, chat or share files. Just as passengers prepared to check the weather forecast for your destination city, consumers who are online now have a tool they can use to help them prepare for a safe and productive Internet.