# Protection of Personal Data in the Context of E-Commerce
## 6 Research Objectives and Methodology
### Results Analysis
#### 6.3.2 Data Security and Privacy Awareness
When it comes to types of cookies, technical cookies, which are essential for website functionality and cannot be disabled, receive consent from 54% of respondents; functional cookies, which can be turned off and used to enhance site functionality and personalization, are accepted by 20% of respondents. Marketing cookies, used for tracking and delivering targeted advertising, are consented to by 12%, and statistical cookies, which track site activity and effectiveness, are accepted by only 9% of respondents. Surprisingly, 36% of respondents indicated that they consent to all types of cookies presented. The survey results revealed essential insights into respondents' understanding of data security and privacy. It is worth noting that respondents have a notable misconception regarding the definition of personal data. The study found that a significant number of respondents (66%) mistakenly identified the registration number of a legal entity as personal data. Similarly, a considerable proportion (58%) of respondents had made the same error with financial data associated with legal entities. The prevalent gap in public understanding is highlighted by this misclassification, indicating a need for improved education on the distinction between personal and non-personal data. In addition, the study reveals that although most participants (78%) have implemented fundamental cybersecurity measures, such as installing antivirus software on their devices, there is still a prevailing concern regarding online data security. A small percentage of respondents expressed confidence in protecting their online data, with an even smaller percentage feeling extremely secure. The widespread sense of insecurity may stem from -frequent data breaches and the intricate nature of online privacy, which can be challenging for many users to navigate or fully understand. Additional analysis indicates a significant concern regarding unauthorized data sharing and cybercrime, as evidenced by 58% of respondents identifying unauthorized data sharing as their primary worry. The statement highlights a strong understanding of the potential dangers of data exposure, emphasizing the importance of organizations implementing more robust and transparent data protection measures when handling personal information. Based on these findings, it becomes evident that there is a discrepancy between respondents' acknowledgment of the significance of data security and their actual implementation of it. As an example, recommended security practices, like checking for secure connections (e.g., \"https://\") when shopping online, are not consistently followed by 39% of respondents. There is a clear need to address the gap between knowledge and action, indicating that implementing more intuitive and user-friendly security features and ongoing public education could be instrumental in closing this divide. To tackle these challenges, organizations must give utmost importance to transparent communication regarding the usage and security of data. This includes making privacy policies easily accessible and understandable to the average user. In addition, the public's understanding of data privacy could be significantly improved through targeted educational campaigns, which would help to correct any misconceptions and enhance overall awareness of data security.