One in six adults has been stung online and been the victim of a cyber attack, fresh data has shown. Most adults were also failing to protect handheld hardware which could access the internet, such as an iPad or smartphone.
According to ITV reports, the majority of the attacks (83%) occurred to users on laptops or desktop computers, but a further 21 percent had been attacked while on smartphone and 17 percent had been targeted from a tablet computer.
This year has proved a tipping point for smartphones and tablets. The rapid rise in demand for online banking and retail combined with very little security on devices has created a massive opportunity for cyber criminals leaving many people and businesses extremely vulnerable
Some 60% of smartphone users admitted to having no malware protection and almost half (48%) of iPad owners said the same, the data showed.
Cybercriminals may well take advantage of this, with the same survey reporting that phishing attempts targeted at mobile devices has increased by a massive 80 percent in the last year.
Almost half used their smartphone for internet banking and one in three said they had paid for online purchases using their iPhone.
They warned urged anyone going online to be wary when using public share points, as these were easier to hack, look for the padlock symbol and never to reveal personal information on an unrecognised website.
