Rob Waugh

American companies are facing an “unprecedented” onslaught of data theft, costing “hundreds of billions”, according to a report by a private group headed by high-ranking ex-government officials.

Electrical grids worldwide have become more susceptible to cyber attacks, due to the use of industrial control systems, according to market analysts ABI Research.

Twitter has introduced a new two-factor security system - an optional "extra layer" of security which should help to prevent unauthorised access to accounts.

Cybercrime is costing small businesses an average of £4,000 ($6000) a year, according to the British Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). A report by the group found that 41 per cent of the FSB’s membership have been a victim of cybercrime in the past year. The most common threat is virus infections, with 20% of small businesses falling victim - while 8% have been victims of hacking and 5% have suffered security breaches.

The Xbox One Kinect microphone – one of the hi-tech new features of Microsoft’s new Xbox One console – has raised security concerns since it “listens” to users even when the console is turned off.

Cyber attacks on America will continue to escalate, according to National Security Director Keith Alexander, speaking to the Reuters Cybersecurity Summit in Washington. “Disruptive and destructive attacks on our country will get worse," said Alexander, the leading U.S. general in charge of the nation’s cybersecurity. "Mark my words, it will get worse."

Computer viruses are making a comeback, according to Microsoft’s Director of Trustworthy Computing - with numbers rising globally in 2012. Tim Rains says that for several years, viruses have been “out of favour with attackers”, but points to statistics showing that they have made a comeback in 2012, at least in certain territories.

The FBI has offered temporary security clearances to security officers from U.S. banks in order to share information into repeated cyber attacks which have disrupted online banking websites in recent months.

Mainstream media reports offer a mere “snapshot” of the scope of cyber-crime, according to the head of British intelligence agency GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters).