IT contractors will find that many firms are struggling with the problem of how to update their browsers, it is claimed.

This issue has recently been highlighted by the government, after it responded to a petition asking for move away from Internet Explorer 6 (IE6) by saying it would not be an easy task for its departments.

Rowland O'Connor, editor of Broadband-Help.com, agrees that updating a browser can be a monumental task for a big company.

"Many internal business applications will be 'hard wired' to be IE6 compatible only and modifying these applications can be costly in terms of development, test and implementation," he said.

However, Mr O'Connor added that updating a browser is worthwhile, with added security of newer versions being of particular benefit.

As technology and cyber crime advances, browser companies have learnt from the frailties and strengths of older systems to produce better security.