Tenth of UK PCs compromised by hackers

The UK is fifth in the worldwide compromised PC rankings

One in 10 PCs in the UK is capable of launching a cyber attack, according to new figures from security vendor SecureWorks.

The firm's study into worldwide security hacks placed the UK fifth overall, with an average of 107 attacks launched per 1,000 computers over a six-month period.

PCs in India ranked the lowest at just 52 out 1,000, while the US came top with 1,600 attacks per 1,000 PCs.

"The statistics show that a substantial number of vulnerable computers in countries worldwide have been compromised and are being used as bots to launch cyber attacks," said Jon Ramsey, chief technology officer at SecureWorks.

Ramsey warned that computer users often unwittingly make it easy for hackers to access and control their machines.

"The study shows that organisations and individuals are not only putting themselves at risk by not securing their PCs, but are actually providing cyber criminals with a platform to compromise other computers," he said.

Ramsey recommended that users maintain at least a basic level of security, particularly as online banking, shopping, social networking and other sensitive computer activities increase in popularity.

"These include keeping your anti-virus software, web browsers and applications properly up to date and patched, and following safe computer practices such as only opening attachments and downloading programs that you trust," he said.