As PC World's Jared Newman points out, last week's DDoS attack affecting major retailers could have been much worse.

"Of course, any attack on a major retail Web site is news, especially as people cram in last-minute shopping, but this particular attack was over quickly, had limited reach, and occurred at a time when I'd think most shoppers had either ordered presents already or bought them at brick-and-mortar stores," Newman writes.

"Certainly, some people's last-minute gifting plans were foiled by the most recent attacks, but I'm guessing that the cost of next-day shipping would wipe out any savings you'd get from Amazon over a brick-and-mortar store," Newman adds.

Click here to read the PC World story.