The study of 1800 adults found that human error is by far the biggest risk to computer and network security, and the DTI is now spending GB pound 4 million on research projects in an attempt to improve the situation.
Two-thirds of those studied admitted that they never change passwords for their accounts online, and one in five said they use the same details for banking and other accounts such as e-mail and shopping.
Malcolm Wicks, the Minister for Science and Innovation, said:
“Unfortunately, the weakest link in network security is not usually with the technology, but with the staff and system users.
“Network security is also a major growth area where the UK has a good opportunity to become a global leader if we develop new technology to give us a competitive edge”, he added.
Four projects are being undertaken by companies and universities across the country as part of the department’s Network Security Innovation Platform (NSIP) scheme, which they say was developed to bring Government and businesses closer to improve network security.
For the first time, the projects will focus on behavioural science and the DTI thinks the research could represent an extra GB pound 125 million for the market if it is developed.
A similar survey by the department in 2006 found that 62% of companies in the UK had a network security incident, with the worst incidents costing an average of GB pound 12,000 each.
