Natwest Bank is the most phished brand in the UK, according to research among its own users by messaging security firm Cloudmark. The research also found that the majority of unique phishing sites in Europe are created using the .uk domain name.

A further survey by Cloudmark found that phishing attacks dent public confidence in consumer brands. The survey, which was carried out by YouGov, found that 42 per
cent of people felt their trust in a brand would be greatly reduced if they received a phishing email purporting to be from that company.

More than a quarter of respondents (26 per cent) believe themselves to be the party most responsible for protecting themselves from phishing attacks, while 23 per cent believe their Internet Service Provider (ISP) or email service provider is the most responsible.

Cloudmark said there had been a change in phishing techniques, with many phishing emails now asking recipients to phone a fake customer services number. When they do so, they are asked to hand over their ID and PIN