Broadband users may be taking unnecessary risks with their online security by not being careful about the web 2.0 facilities they use, it has been suggested.

A spokesman for Websense, an international company that specialises in the field of integrated data and email protection platforms, said it was becoming increasingly difficult to tell which sites pose a threat and which are safe.

Mark Murtagh, technical director of the organisation, explained very often a page may seem reputable and trustworthy - but can later be found to be dangerous to internet users, as it is host to malware or virus programs.

He cited recent research that suggested around 75 per cent of sites that were considered to be a threat had actually seen their good reputation tarnished by a single incident that had compromised them in some way.

This is something the expert suggested could be seen in the number of mash-up sites that are currently concealing malware.

Mr Murtagh suggested broadband users would not be advised to block access to web 2.0 facilities and would instead need to invest in security solutions that are reliable.

"Saving money in today’s market is critical. Web 2.0 applications are significant communication tools that can give companies a competitive edge and can provide an economical way to reach customers faster," he added.

Research from the Office for National Statistics in 2005 showed over half of UK businesses had suffered a web-related security breach during the year.

Categories: Broadband Products, Internet Security

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