Cyber hackers rob over £1bn from Brits last year

Cyber hackers have reportedly stole over £1bn from UK citizens last year, with over one in six of them admitting of losing more than £500 online on account of having their card details pinched, according to the latest report by the UK government.

The latest government report revealed that about 94% of citizens consider it is their personal responsibility to ensure a safe internet experience, while only 44% of them always have installed internet security software on new equipment.

About 37% of Brits download updates and patches for PCs when encouraged, which still comes down to 21% for smartphones and mobile devices.

The report also added that less than a third will regularly use complex passwords to boost their account safety, while 57% of them do not always check websites whether they are safe, prior to purchases.

In addition, nearly half of the citizens are concerned about identity theft, about 52% are concerned about losing money, while 32% of individuals had reported lack of understanding about installation of security software on internet devices, with a fifth of them reportedly not realising the risk.

The UK government has also launched the new ‘Cyber Streetwise’ campaign to transform the way people secure themselves while shopping or banking online to evade being preyed to cyber criminals.

The campaign is also aimed at offering the public and businesses with the skills and knowledge required to take over their cyber security.

UK security minister James Brokenshire said the internet has radically changed the way of working and socialising.

"It has created a wealth of opportunities, but with these opportunities there are also threats," Brokenshire said.

"As a government we are taking the fight to cyber criminals wherever they are in the world.

"However, by taking a few simple steps while online the public can keep cyber criminals out and their information safe.

"Cyber Streetwise is an innovative new campaign that will provide everyone with the knowledge and confidence to make simple and effective changes to stay safe online."