Web users in London need to improve the security of their wireless broadband networks, according to new research.

The study by Garlik revealed that a third of households in the capital have weak security settings in place on their routers, while five per cent admit to having no security in place at all.

Just 65 per cent of households make use of WPA settings, which the body suggested is the most secure form of protection available on Wi-Fi networks.

Tom Ilube, chief executive officer of Garlik, said not using such settings was "the digital equivalent of locking your front door but with a sign saying 'key under the mat, help yourselves'".

He added: "With the recent introduction of the Digital Economy Act people need to be aware that they could face a fine, the risk of disconnection or indeed risk falling victim to cybercrime if they do not take Wi-Fi security seriously."

TalkTalk suggested at the end of last year that seven million homes and businesses in the UK are vulnerable to Wi-Fi network hijacking.