UK firms are unaware of IT security issues despite these threats posting a risk to their day-to-day operations, according to a security firm.

David Emm, senior security researcher at Kaspersky Lab, said malware is becoming "highly sophisticated".

"In spite of this, cybercriminals often seek to exploit human weaknesses to spread their code," he explained.

"This should come as no surprise, so it is concerning to see the low level of awareness regarding potential IT security threats."

In order to improve security, Mr Emm urged businesses to ensure that their employees are properly educated when it comes to security.

Regular training workshops to ensure that permanent employees know how to use internal and external IT solutions safely and clear rules for the use of IT are among the steps that could be taken, Mr Emm added.

Cybercrime costs UK business £27 billion a year, according to a Cabinet Office report published earlier this year.