A survey carried out by Sophos has revealed that 79% of IT professionals believe that employees are putting their companies at risk by failing to act safely online. Sophos warns that despite instructions from IT departments, many employees continue to open unsolicited emails and attachments and download malware from websites.

Sophos lists the 'sinful seven' online activities at work as follows:

• Downloading music and movies
• Opening email attachments or clicking on links in unsolicited emails
• Surfing pornographic or other dubious websites
• Running "joke" programs sent by friends and colleagues
• Installing unauthorized software and web browser plug-ins
• Giving information to unknown parties via phone or email
• Using the same password on different websites

» 79% believe their companies are put at risk by employees acting unsafely online, reports Sophos