Cyber crime more feared than muggings or burglary

Consumers are more worried about falling victim to cyber crime than mugging, car theft or burglary, a survey has revealed.

The government-backed Get Safe Online study found 21 per cent of respondents fear online attacks but only 16 per cent are concerned about being burgled.

There is so much concern about internet crime some people are deterred from using the net altogether, with one in six too terrified to log on.

Nearly a quarter (24 per cent) refuse to bank online and 18 per cent won't indulge in online shopping.

Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden warned the public will lose out on the enormous economic and social benefits the internet provides unless the important issue of cyber crime fear is addressed.

He said in a statement: "Fear of online crime is an important issue that must not be ignored. Otherwise, we will lose out on the enormous economic and social benefits that the internet provides."

But while 72 per cent of consumers said they need more information to arm themselves against online threats, 40 per cent said they are unsure where to get advice.

John Lyons, group security advisor at internet payment service provider Secure Trading - one of the sponsors of the campaign - told silicon.com: "It's a question of the unknown. People are getting online and can't see where an attack is coming from."

But Lyons said the public is getting more aware of the methods online attackers are using and people are wising up to the fact that if something seems too good to be true it probably is.