More than 280 million people worldwide have lost personal details because of data breaches in the last three years, according to a KPMG study.

Almost half (46 per cent) of cases had no password protection or encryption, while nearly two thirds (62 per cent) were cases of data being lost rather than stolen.

Better procedures are needed in the public and private sector, according to Malcolm Marshall a partner at KPMG.

“Finding possible leakages and ensuring internal procedures with clear definitions are in place will reduce companies’ risk of becoming a victim of data loss," he said.

"Policies and controls should be continually reviewed due to changes in technologies, processes and personnel.”

The public sector was responsible for 19 per cent of data losses with education and healthcare being the most vulnerable sectors.

Fourteen per cent of losses were in financial services, which is among the most targeted industries by those looking to steal data.

Hacking accounted for more than 60 million victims of data loss between 2007 and 2008.

During 2007, 62 per cent of all people affected by hacking were the victims of three major incidents, including the intrusion into the computer systems of TJX Companies in the US, owner of retailer TK Maxx.