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Consumers worry about data held by institutions

The online security of personal data held by banks, retailers and government organisations is a concern for nearly half (43 per cent) of British consumers, according to new research from database security company Guardium.

While this percentage was worried about their bank's ability to keep credit cards away from fraudsters, 40 per cent were not sure their banks' could protect their personal data.

Retailers and the government's ability to keep consumers' details safe was also a worrying issue for 61 per cent and 63 per cent of those polled respectively.

According to Guardium vice president David Valovcin, cyber crooks are now assaulting consumers with more sophisticated and targeted attacks.

"Recent media stories have revealed how easily data can be compromised if organisations do not look after it safely," he said.

"This is putting a serious dent in consumers' faith in the institutions to which they entrust their confidential personal information."

On a personal level, consumers are advised to ensure they have proper internet security software and to steer clear of responding to unsolicited messages to minimise the risk of being cyber crime victims.

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