Safer Internet Day highlights need for IT security

Posted by Louise Tate

As February 8th marks Safer Internet Day, the statistical office of the European Union (EU) has published new figures which reveal the extent to which businesses can and do benefit from security solutions when outsourcing IT departments.

The Eurostat study found that in 2010 approximately 84 per cent of web users were protected by security software, suggesting that there are still a large number of individuals and companies that could benefit from greater internet security.

Somewhat alarmingly, it was revealed that around three per cent of internet users had suffered some form of financial loss as a result of hacking or internet fraud, which further highlights the importance of security solutions when conducting business online.

In the UK it was found that 31 per cent of respondents had been affected by a virus or malware, while the rate in other EU states, including Austria, Finland and the Netherlands were much lower.

Earlier this month, Justin Modray, from candidmoney.com, said that tax hikes and public spending cuts had created an "ideal climate" for internet fraud to thrive, further emphasising the need for IT security solutions.