A quarter of consumers blame the websites they visit for log-in problems, according to new research commissioned by Oracle.

Two-thirds of respondents also claimed that they would be more confident shopping online if websites imposed additional security measures, according to the survey carried out by Foviance.

However, nearly a third (30 per cent) of those surveyed claimed that they do not trust any online security measures introduced by business IT support teams, although seven in ten blamed themselves when they suffered IT security problems.

Des Powley, UK and Ireland director of security at database solutions firm Oracle, explained that taking a more sophisticated approach to computer network security requires a "shift in mindset".

He said: "Organisations must remember that security is an emotive subject that understandably triggers very primitive instincts for consumers and citizens.

"It's time to be more strategic, which includes using technologies such as adaptive authentication and single-sign-on all delivered seamlessly with the service."

Foviance consultancy director Marty Carroll explained that smart online retailers "have an opportunity to build security into their value proposition, and in doing so, foster customer loyalty and increase revenue".

A recent survey for Connect found that one in ten companies has lost important data as a result of a backup failure. The company has now developed a unique online backup service for SMEs to ensure they can survive any disaster.