Posted By: Mark Thatcher

Mon Oct 9, 11:14 AM ET

LONDON (AFP) - More people worry that their PCs are under constant attack from hackers than they do about their homes being ransacked by burglars, according to the latest government survey.

The Get Safe Online study showed that 21 percent of those questioned felt at greatest risk from internet crime, while 16 percent worried that their homes might be targeted by criminals.

At least 57 percent of all households have an internet connection and of those, more than half (52 percent) did their banking online. Yet 18 percent of those questioned said they would not shop online because they were concerned about becoming a victim of net crime.

The survey highlights how the internet has become an increasingly important part of many people's lives, and Get Safe Online coordinator Tony Neate hopes to educate people about good web browsing habits.

"There are some problems out there," said Neate, "but simple, easy precautions mean you can be really safe."

The Get Safe Online website (http://www.getsafeonline.org/) urges people to use up-to-date anti-spyware software and a firewall.

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