Topic: Average cost of virus is £260

[Clive]

January 24, 2006
Quentin Reade

 The average cost of curing a computer virus is £260, according to new research.

What's more, a quarter of UK PC owners say they succumb to "virus rage" and ditch their machine rather than calling someone in to fix it.

Despite high levels of anxiety over online security, more than one in ten (12 per cent) aren't adequately protected against infection. And even though 73 per cent of us regularly worry about our computer security - with a third stressing daily about being targeted by viruses, hackers or spyware - one in ten Brits still admit to opening emails from unrecognised sources.

The research, by cable company Telewest, estimates that Brits will spend up to £3bn this year repairing and replacing virus-ridden PCs.

Commenting on the findings, Philip Snalune, director of product management and marketing at Telewest, said: "The cost of leaving your PC open to infection is not to be sniffed at.

"People understandably worry about catching colds and viruses at this time of year, but the effects of a PC virus can potentially cost the average person around three times more to cure."


www.blueyonder.co.uk/pcguard