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Consumers ignoring measures to protect themselves

Internet users are aware of what steps to take to avoid being exposed to online threats and prevent computer virus infections but very few are doing so, an internet security expert has claimed.

Simple practises such as having anti-virus software or not responding to unsolicited emails are being ignored by consumers, according to Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos.

"If someone emails you out of the blue with a naked video of Angelina Jolie…don't be surprised if it bites you in the bum and your computer gets infected," he said.

"The fundamental thing is to run an anti-virus programme and keep it up to date – and I mean really up to date," he said, adding that the programmes should be searching for updates on an hourly basis in the background.

He also said internet users can stay clear of online threats by being careful about what websites they visit.

The BBC technology programme Click recently highlighted how easy it was for consumers to be attacked by buying a botnet and using it to launch a mock attack.

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