Around three per cent of UK men have been victims of online stalking compared to just one per cent of women, according to new research by online security company Garlik.

The survey found that cyber-stalking victims suffer a barrage of abusive emails, character assassination on websites and message boards and, in extreme cases, online identity theft leading to harassment over the phone.

Despite 23 per cent of male respondents indicating that they are anxious about cyber-stalking, it seems that UK men fail to protect themselves online, handing out sensitive personal information without a thought of the potential risks.

"Our research dispels a common stereotype that men are unlikely to fall victim to cyber-stalking," said Tom Ilube, chief executive at Garlik.

"It also underlines the need for all consumers to be cautious about the kinds of information they provide online and to be vigilant about monitoring their online identity."

A fifth of male respondents admitted to posting their mobile numbers on social networking sites compared to 14 per cent of women.

Furthermore, twice as many men as women have set up their own personal website often revealing large amounts of personal information.

"Men are typically less guarded than women when they operate online which leaves them open to criminal activity from cyber-stalking and ID theft to financial scams and hacking," warned Dr Emily Finch, a criminologist and director at legal research firm 1871 Ltd.

The survey also revealed that 81 per cent of cyber-stalking cases go unreported. A quarter of male victims fear that the police will not take them seriously, and six per cent are too scared to report the crime for fear of repercussions.

In addition, 21 per cent added that they blame themselves for making their personal information so public.