SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: An internet security expert is calling for better security on web-based email accounts after a recent surge in hack attacks, a ABC Australia report said on Friday.

Hotmail, Google and Yahoo! have joined a growing number of email service providers whose users have been duped by hackers into giving over their passwords in phishing attacks.

Phishing involves using fake websites to lure people into betraying personal details such as bank accounts or login names and other private data.

Dr Mark Gregory, a senior lecturer in network engineering at RMIT, says internet security must improve as it is too easy for criminals to set up fake sites to use in such attacks.

"Most of the means of security we're using at the moment can easily be broken by hackers," he said.

"There's no reason organisations can't be offering second-level security devices if they are serious about protecting their customers' privacy.

To read full article click: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/10/08/2708669.htm?section=australia