Anti-virus experts have warned some sectors of the British industry are still not taking e-mail viruses seriously enough.
New research from Message Labs suggests one in every 24 e-mails received by retailers is infected. Their study cites entertainment and local government as other sectors still suffering a deluge.
The company says the survey is worrying because it comes at a time when viruses are at their highest levels ever. There have already been twice as many viruses sent in 2002 than in all of 2001.
Chief technology officer Mr Mark Sunner said it's "quite amazing" that some businesses apparently aren't doing more to protect themselves.
He urged more to follow the example set by financial services and banking firms. Better network security practice was reflected in a 1:5208 virus-to-email ratio for that sector.
PA
