People advised to get 'up-to-date anti-virus'

Residents and businesses should purchase an up-to-date anti-virus to ensure safety when using wide area networking systems, it has been suggested.

Daniel Brett of S21Sec made the statement in the wake of many security threats that have been seen online.

One particular malware platform that is causing issues is Zeus, which fools web users into believing that they are completing a transaction with their bank, when they are instead having their details stolen, a spokesman from Lieberman Software has outlined.

Phil Lieberman, chief executive of Lieberman Software, said: "You don’t see Zeus. You think you are talking to the bank but you are really talking to Zeus, and Zeus is talking to your bank instead."

Mr Lieberman added that Zeus completes transactions, but not the ones that users want.

His comments come after IT security consultant Kevin Wharram warned that data proliferation will lead to online threats increasing.

Mr Wharram believes that the rising amount of people using data means that hackers are now targeting new devices, such as Android-enabled phones.