Beijing, August 14 :

Almost three quarters of China’s computers were attacked by viruses from May 2005 to May 2006, according to a survey by the ministry of public security.

The annual survey, based on 13,824 questionnaires collected nationwide concerning Internet security problems, showed the vulnerability was mainly due to a lack of maintenance and repair of software.

Internet surfing and downloading to USB flash disks and portable hard disks were major channels for spre-ading viruses, the survey showed.

More viruses were homegrown, and many intended to profit from illegal activities, the ministry said.

Fifty-four per cent of the companies sampled had suffered Internet security problems. Of those companies, 84 per cent had computer virus problems, 36 per cent suffered from port scanning or Internet attacks, and 35 per cent received junk mail.

Officials with the ministry said they would improve advice to companies and promote the training of Internet security personnel to better secure the information network.