Identity theft and card fraud top consumers' list of security concerns, according to new research from IT services giant Unisys.

The Unisys Security Index found that 86 per cent of UK citizens are worried about "unauthorised access to or misuse of their personal information". However only a third said they were similarly worried about the security implications of spam and viruses.

“Identity theft and fraud is clearly an important and growing problem that is costing banks and the public a huge sum of money and distress," said Neil Fisher, vice president of identity Management at Unisys, in a statement. " Consumers, governments and businesses need to address this growing problem, not least by being vigilant and taking measures to protect themselves.”