In a world where everything is retrievable and accessible on the Internet, maintaining privacy is an ever-increasing threat and seems an impossible feat.

The fear of the Internet is diminishing and the use thereof is unbounded. We are sharing information of a most personal nature that is frightening. The World Bank reports that at the end of 2016 the number of Internet users reached 3.5 billion.

Data, in its many forms, is required to use most Internet sites for subscription services, online shopping, educational services, booking a flight or hotel, conducting research etc. This data is private information that individuals are required to input to use these sites, and this is where the impossible feat occurs.

Many businesses are now closing brick and mortar stores and are opening virtual stores. The goal is to capitalise on the vast number of consumers that can be reached via the Internet and the lower cost of a virtual storefront. A virtual store requires consumers to conduct transactions by inputting personal information, making it improtant for companies to assure that the data collected is secure in a bid to alleviate concerns that consumers may have.

Moreover, e-commerce is vital operationally to some companies and is a driver of growth for many of them. An e-commerce platform has the capacity to streamline processes and reach a great number of consumers. The convenience of conducting business online is far more prevalent than going into a store.

Many consumers are wary of the use of the Internet and many refuse to download apps and purchase items online. This can be detrimental to companies who operate online as well as consumers, as it can be costly to use other options other than online to make a purchase.

The information age requires security and privacy, and that balance between the two is the conundrum that faces us. The Internet gives us a myriad of opportunities and has been a paradigm shift in the way we work and do business. The use of it is increasing exponentially and therefore the balance must be attained where private data has to be secured.

Gillian Murray is the marketing officer at tTech Limited. She can be contacted at 656-8467/656-8448 or by email at gillian.murray@ttech.com.jm