The recent spate of high-profile data losses has led the public to take more care of their personal information, according to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

Some 85 per cent of people now refuse to give out personal details wherever possible.

It is important to check the credentials of any organisation that handles your information, said David Smith, deputy commissioner at the ICO.

"You can use your rights under the Data Protection Act to ensure your data is being properly looked after – use our checklist to ask the right questions," he said.

Fifty-three per cent of survey respondents say they no longer have confidence in the way organisations such as banks, local authorities and government departments handle their personal information.

And seven out of 10 individuals feel powerless about how their personal information is looked after.

But the situation can be improved, said Smith.

"If we all regularly start to ask the right questions then organisations will respond to public demand and take the protection of our personal information more seriously," he said.