Small firms are being warned to ensure they invest in adequate IT security after one expert warned that criminals are often ahead of the game.

Michael Phillips, product director of Broadband Choices, said that cyber crime is expanding so fast that many security experts are failing to keep up – highlighting the important of ensuring a system is in place to protect important data from fraudsters.

He added: "Criminals are always going to be more innovative and it is impossible to second guess what they are going to think of next.

"But customers can go a long way to protect themselves by protecting their wireless, using a firewall, having security software installed and by only opening emails where you know the source."

Mr Phillips also claimed that the government should be doing more to help people to protect themselves and their businesses.

"Government should take a lead in telling people how to protect their PC," he said.