Virus infection most common cybercrime affecting NZers | Hawkes Bay News | Local News in Hawkes Bay

Virus infection is the most common cybercrime affecting New Zealanders, according to a security report issued today.

The computers of 61 percent of New Zealanders were picking up viruses or malware, malicious software, the Norton Cybercrime Report said.

The survey also revealed that 70 percent of New Zealand adults had been the victim of online crimes ranging from identity theft to having their computer infected with a virus.

Michele Thompson, safety advocate at the internet security firm, described the results of the survey as a ``silent epidemic''.

``We didn't realise how big it was and how many people are being affected,'' she said, warning people to be diligent and careful about what they did online.

The survey interviewed 7066 adults from 14 countries.