UK consumers have more confidence in the IT security of banks and building societies than they do in central government, according to a YouGov survey.

More than half (52 per cent) of respondents said they trusted their bank or building societies with their data security, but only 25 per cent had the same confidence in central government and only 21 per cent in local councils.

While 20 per cent thought mortgage brokers, stockbrokers and financial advisers could keep their details safe from fraudsters, only 18 per cent trusted utility firms with the same task.

Nearly half (49 per cent) of women would consider not using online shopping or banking to avoid being targeted, and 46 per cent of all respondents said there is not enough information available about how to protect against fraud.

These figures represent a very pessimistic view, said Tony Neate, managing director of Get Safe Online, the government-backed advisory web site.

"There have been a few high-profile cases of customer details not being dealt with securely, this may account for the overall perception and distrust amongst consumers. However the perception is far worse than the reality," he said.