The average Brit is worth US$21,619 to a cybercriminal, according to Get Safe Online.
The organization said that is the average amount a cybercriminal can get their hands on through fraudulent online access to bank accounts and credit cards.
According to the 2008 Get Safe Online Report, 85 percent of U.K. Web users have antivirus software but 48 percent are still not updating the software frequently enough to ensure it remains effective. The report also revealed that 47 percent do not have anti-phishing Web site authentication software and 19 percent admitted to using the same password for all Web sites, hugely increasing the risk of phishing attacks.
The report also highlighted that phishing attacks are on the increase with 23 percent of those surveyed admitting to having fallen victim or knowing someone who fell victim to such an attack this year, compared to just eight percent in 2007.
"We are actively encouraging more people to go online, but in doing so, to ensure that they are safe and secure. We want to draw attention to the fact that online criminal activity can be a sophisticated business, but that each of us can take steps to prevent ourselves from becoming a victim," said Tony Neate, managing director of GetSafeOnline.org
Nick Staib, director of GetSafeOnline.org and senior manager at HSBC, added: "If your financial reputation has been compromised through identity theft, this could have an impact on your ability to obtain credit or borrow money in the future. Even with an explanatory note on your credit record, you may be viewed as 'high risk.'"
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