The need for effective managed network security measures has been underlined by a new study indicating almost all data attacks come from the web.
Research carried out by managed security provider AVG Technologies indicates that 99 per cent of malware threats originate online and their goal is generally to steal identity, bank or credit card details.
Roger Thompson, chief research officer at the group, commented: "It's an idea that is catching on. Without question, fraudsters are seeing it more and more as a good way to commit online fraud."
Mr Thompson went on to recommend installing managed security software such as dedicated web-scanning platforms and identity theft protection software.
Figures released by the Office of Fair Trading in February revealed 23 per cent of UK internet users or their close friends and family had been a victim of phishing scams in the previous 12 months, compared to just eight per cent the year before.