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UK businesses need to be more responsible when it comes to protecting personal information given to them by their customers, a new study suggests.

The survey shows that identity fraud is an increasing concern for consumers and that many feel firms should prioritise security.

Research by YouGov for IT management firm CA shows that 84 per cent of those asked said that their trust in an organisation would determine which they would and wouldn't interact with online.

It also found that two thirds of consumers said businesses including banks and building societies need to take more responsibility for the protection of clients' private details.

"This survey clearly shows that online identity theft remains a major concern for UK consumers," said Simon Perry, vice president of security strategy at CA.

"The onus is clearly on organisations offering online services to improve the way they manage their customers' personal details or risk damage to their reputation and loss of business."

The survey follows the loss of two CDs containing the names, addresses and bank details of up to 25 million people by HM Revenue and Customs.

Families are being urged to check their accounts after fears the discs, which held personal information about all those who claim child benefits, could fall into criminal hands.