Cyber attacks are spreading faster than ever before.

Experts believe computer hackers have become quicker at taking advantage of flaws in software to send potentially damaging viruses over the net.

Symantec, a company which monitors e-mail viruses, said the number of "security attacks" increased almost 20 per cent in the first six months of the year.

It estimated the average company now had to fend off about 38 attacks a week.

Hundreds of thousands of computers around the world were hit by a virus which spread rapidly in August.

Friday October 03, 2003