VeriSign Survey Finds Nearly Ten Times As Many Consumers Feel TrustIs More Important Than Cost When Transacting Online

Even in Trying Times, Consumers Seek Safety Over Savings; Eighty Five
Percent of Consumers Said Trusting a Site Is Most Important When
Transacting Online
 
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA--(Marketwire - December 16, 2008) - The findings of
a recent consumer survey conducted by Synovate and commissioned by
VeriSign, (NASDAQ: VRSN), the trusted provider of Internet
infrastructure services for the networked world, suggest that
consumers may be willing to forgo gimmicks and spend a little more
online if they know their identities are protected.
 
The survey results reveal that 85 percent of consumers state that
trusting the site is most important when interacting on a Web site
and sharing confidential information. In contrast, nine percent said
competitive pricing was most important and five percent said ease of
use was most important. Additionally, 93 percent of respondents said
they would stop transacting on a site that's not secure.
 
Findings also concluded that 76 percent of consumers claimed that
identity theft is a "major" concern for them. When asked how they
felt about brands that did not protect their online identity, 56
percent felt "distrustful," 17 percent felt "disappointed," 13
percent felt "betrayed," six percent felt "indifferent," and four
percent felt "let down." Finally, one in five engage in fewer online
activities due to security concerns.
 
"Identity theft can be an avoidable evil, and as our research
indicates, security-savvy consumers will put their money where their
trust is," said Fran Rosch, senior vice president of Products and
Strategy for VeriSign. "These consumers understand that the
repercussions of identity theft outweigh the few dollars they may be
able to save by shopping on a questionable Web site, which is why 85
percent opt for sites they trust."
 
Before the Internet, businesses won trust through personal references
and offline indicators such as a hand shake, exceptional service or
having a physical storefront to walk into. In today's online world,
trust is still at the apex of all customer relationships, but it's
earned by providing security mechanisms like two-factor
authentication, encryption, and validation that the Web site is
authentic.
 
The survey uncovered other key findings on how consumers protect
their identities today when conducting transactions online:
 
--  86 percent use a simple user name and password to enter accounts
--  62 percent look for the lock icon in the address bar
--  55 percent look for a logo or seal from the firm providing
Internet
    security
--  52 percent look for https:// in the address bar
--  26 percent look for a green address bar
 
When asked how much savings they'd expect before considering shopping
on an unprotected site, one in three consumers said they would expect
at least a 30 percent discount. This finding suggests that businesses
that don't provide security measures to gain consumer trust cannot
anticipate getting the same value for their goods.
 
"The best security for consumers is education and using the latest
tools and technologies that are out there to help counter fraud,"
said Craig Spiezle, chairman and founder of the Authentication and
Online Trust Alliance (AOTA). "As we move more and more of our lives
online -- for example, banking, shopping, paying bills,
communicating, registering, renewing, etc. -- fraud threats follow
closely behind. The key is to keep one step ahead by knowing how to
protect yourself online, embracing best practices and using the
latest technologies. Today more than ever users need to update their
browsers with integrated security and privacy features to help stay
ahead of the criminals."
 
About the Survey
 
The survey, which polled 919 U.S. adults 18+ who spend at least three
non-work hours per week online, explores the degree to which
consumers are concerned about online security, seeks to understand
the role that security plays in consumer perceptions of online
brands, and gauges consumers' interest and familiarity with
authentication services on the market today.
 
About VeriSign
 
VeriSign, Inc. (NASDAQ: VRSN) is the trusted provider of Internet
infrastructure services for the networked world. Billions of times
each day, VeriSign helps companies and consumers all over the world
engage in communications and commerce with confidence. Additional
news and information about the company is available at
www.verisign.com.
 
Statements in this announcement other than historical data and
information constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning
of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements involve risks and
uncertainties that could cause VeriSign's actual results to differ
materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking
statements. The potential risks and uncertainties include, among
others, the uncertainty of future revenue and profitability;
potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results due to such
factors as the risk that VeriSign's announcements may not result in
additional products, services, customers, profits or revenues; and
increased competition and pricing pressures. More information about
potential factors that could affect the company's business and
financial results is included in VeriSign's filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, including in the company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and
quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. VeriSign undertakes no obligation to
update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this
press release.
 
©2008 VeriSign, Inc. All rights reserved. VeriSign, the VeriSign
logo, the Checkmark Circle logo, and other trademarks, service marks,
and designs are registered or unregistered trademarks of VeriSign,
Inc., and its subsidiaries in the United States and in foreign
countries. All other trademarks are property of their respective
owners.
 
Contacts
Christina Rohall
crohall@verisign.com
650-336-4663
 
Investor Relations:
Nancy Fazioli
ir@verisign.com
650-426-5146
 
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