Consumer awareness of phishing attacks has doubled between 2007 and 2009, a recent study reveals. According to the research, which was carried out by RSA (the Security Division of EMC), the number of consumers who reported falling prey to phishing attacks has increased six times over the same 2007 – 2009 interval.

In addition, while interest in social networking websites continues to grow, the survey has exposed that nearly two in three – that is, 65 percent - of people who belong to such online communities are less likely to interact or share information due to their growing security concerns.

Additionally, in RSA's 2010 survey, nine in ten consumers (89 percent) have reported concerns caused by the threat of phishing. However, despite increased awareness, the survey shows that a growing number of online users have fallen victim to a phishing attack.

In a similar 2007 RSA survey, one in twenty (5 percent) consumers cited they had fallen victim to a phishing scam – however, this rate has increased six-times in 2009 to represent three in ten (29 percent) consumers. According to RSA, this increase can be attributed to more advanced communications tactics and greater sophistication on the part of the fraudsters.

RSA’s 2010 Global Online Consumer Security Survey has polled over 4,500 consumers regarding their awareness of online threats and their concerns with the safety of their personal information online.