Cybercriminals are shopping to this Christams

[Wizzo]

If you're doing your Christmas shopping online, be warned that cybercriminals are seeking to cash in on the estimated £5bn being spent on the web in the UK this December.

According to Kaspersky Lab, 11 new pieces of malware emerged last month, many of which are Trojan horses - programs that can infect your computer and steal your financial information without you even realising.

David Emm of Kaspersky Lab said: "With such large amounts of money being moved across the internet at this time of year by novice and expert internet shoppers alike, the risks of falling foul of cybercrime or device infection should not be ignored."

Kaspersky warned of the need to stay vigilant when making any transaction on the web, and being sure that all devices that you use to access the web are properly secured.

"Remember that the cybercriminal succeeds by being covert. Ensure that you take precautions to secure any device you use to access the Internet, purchase only from a reputable source, and scrutinise your bank statements for rogue or inaccurate transactions," said Emm.

Separate research from the GetSafeOnline campaign, a not-for-profit organisation set up by the government to promote internet safety, has found that one in five of us are too scared to shop online this Christmas.

Tony Neate, managing director of GetSafeOnline said: "People do need to be vigilant when shopping online, but fear of the risks shouldn't stop you. Keep your wits about you, and if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is."

[cosworth151]

Separate research from the GetSafeOnline campaign, a not-for-profit organisation set up by the government to promote internet safety, has found that one in five of us are too scared to shop online this Christmas.

At this point in the season, the other four out of the five are too broke to shop anywhere!

[Alianora La Canta]

Or haven't got a clue what to buy people for presents and therefore cannot buy them from anywhere!