Over 57% of all threats were phishing attacks in December, compared to 28.3% in November, Network Box said. Brazil was the top source of viruses and spam accounting for 20.9% of all viruses and 9.1% of all spam – a significant rise from November’s 14% and 8%, respectively.

India is rising in the threat landscape being the source of 6.8% of all spam coming from the sub-continent compared to 4.2% in November, Network Box said. The country was responsible for 4.1% of all viruses in November.

Simon Heron, security analyst at Network Box, said: “The run up to Christmas is traditionally a time for hackers to strike the vulnerable. A higher proportion of shopping is done online, with more money spent than at any other time of year.

“Christmas offers rich pickings for phishers. This is likely to continue through the sales in January, and we urge online bargain hunters to be vigilant.”

Please see images on the right for further statistics on internet threats in December 2009.