Managed security measures are more important for online users than ever before, it has been claimed.
Research carried out by price comparison website moneysupermarket.com found almost 12 million people have had their computer affected by a virus, hacker, malware or spyware in the past six months.
The attacks were found to be most common amongst men, with 27 per cent compared saying they had experienced them compared to 21 per cent of women.
James Parker, manager of broadband at the company, said that the internet now plays a "massive" part in modern life and is available at home, at work, on mobile phones or on the move through Wi-Fi hotspots and dongles.
He added: "People need to be more aware of security threats than ever before. Most people use some of their personal details online - whether through internet banking or online shopping - and it's vital that people take appropriate steps to protect this information and themselves."
Last week, studies by Forrester Consulting on behalf of risk management services provider Veracode indicated 62 per cent of UK firms have experienced a security breach in the past 12 months.