PETER WARREN: "We’ve seen a number of very large companies that have suffered some tremendously embarrassing losses of data. So I actually think that it's a learning curve for everybody."

The problem, says Mr. Warren, is that there is far more interest in developing technology than in keeping it safe.

PETER WARREN: "There is a very real issue with the onward speed of technological progress and the fact that lots and lots of people are being allowed to connect a lot of technology up before it's really been particularly well-tested."

Peter Warren also points out that many people have a false sense of security on the Internet.

PETER WARREN: "If they’re walking down the street, they have many of their senses with them and they're very, very aware of strangers. On the Internet they seem to be so blindly trusting of anybody and of any website, no matter how suspicious it may look."

His message to users is simple: try to be more careful online.

PETER WARREN: "Everybody just really needs to be aware that the Internet is just like any other street and there are some twists and turns that can take you in to some very, very unsavory places.”

And that's the VOA Special English Technology Report, written by June Simms. Have you ever been the victim of a cyber crime or know someone who has? Tell us at voaspecialenglish.com. I'm Christopher Cruise.