Whereas once cybercriminals kept their phishing confined to banks and retailers, they have now widened their catchment area to include – well, everything. All brands are welcome if you deal in online fraud.

Towards the end of October 2009, the number of brands that had been hijacked rose to an alarming all-time high of 365 – and no, that’s not for the year, that’s for the month! Internet security specialist at Prevx, Mel Morris, said that one of the most common ways to be phished was to use common passwords across the board. Although they may seem easier to remember, they’re also easier for the phishers to crack!