Sophos: Web users need to stay alert for phishing scams

Although many web users can now identify internet phishing scams, people need to stay alert as cyber criminals are becoming more sophisticated, according to Sophos.

The security software manufacturer said criminals are becoming cleverer in their online pursuits, while many web users are more exposed to scams as people tend to use the same password for a range of programmes and websites.

Carole Theriault, senior security consultant at Sophos, said that web users should make sure they use different passwords for different applications and change these regularly.

Ms Theriault said: "There's a website called RoboForm and KeePass who are reputable agencies, which basically manage your passwords. You can have 50 passwords and all you need to remember is one master password."

The internet is increasingly vital to homes and business throughout the UK, with applications like VoIP solutions providing low-cost communications and faster speeds helping firms stay competitive.

Cyber criminals committed more than one crime every ten seconds throughout 2008, according to figures from internet information firm Garlik.