The web keeps getting more dangerous: study

At a time when more and more consumers are going online to shop, bank and invest, a new study suggests the internet has never been a more dangerous place.

A recent report by the Anti-Phishing Working Group claims the amount of malware being developed and let loose online is setting new records, Information Week reports.

For example, the report claims the number of fake antivirus programs in circulation grew 585 per cent from January to June this year alone.

The study also indicates programs designed to steal account information from banking and financial sites increased by 186 per cent.

Brand hijacking is also on the rise. Rouge software programmers are said to have targeted 310 organisations during March this year.