When it comes to password security UK office workers are extremely lax, according to an unscientific survey of commuters at a busy London train station.

Two thirds of those quizzed were seemed perfectly happy to hand over their company passwords to complete strangers - which must make those in charge of IT security shudder in disbelief.

The survey, which comes ahead of a security conference, also found that the most commonly used password is the word "password".

The survey of 150 people at Victoria Station in London also found that the majority of workers would forward unsavoury material to co-workers, download confidential material on leaving, give passwords to friends and colleagues, and were willing to pass friends competitive information.

Scruples - someone's heard of it. ®