Most UK web users don't worry about the effect of viruses until it's almost too late, new research claims.

Almost one-third of small businesses don't believe anti-virus or firewall protection is important to their business, according to a report from BT Openworld.

But recent infection by Blaster and the Sobig-F worms appears to have encouraged more companies and home users to review their computer security.

According to BT Openworld, demand for its security products has risen by over 900 per cent following the recent high-profile viral attacks.

Electronics store PC World said it has been inundated with calls to its helplines and its in-store PC Clinics have become surgeries for infected PCs.

Peter Duncombe, PC World marketing director for non-hardware, said: "With firewall and virus protection software so widely available we're constantly amazed that customers are not protecting their PCs against virus attack."

Anti-virus companies recommend continually checking and updating your anti-virus and not to wait for viruses to attack.

According to anti-virus firms, the mass- mailing worm Sobig-F has infected thousands of computers around the world since its first appearance on Tuesday.

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