18 pc US Internet users had important personal data stolen: Survey

Nearly 18 percent of US Internet users have had their important personal data stolen, a new survey has found.

The Pew Research Center showed that important information such as bank account information stolen and the problem appears to be getting worse.

The study was carried out in January and showed a sharp increase from mid-2013, when 11 percent reported being victimized.

According to the Express Tribune, the survey also found 21 percent reported having email or social network accounts compromised, the same percentage as last year.

The findings come amid growing concern over the 'Heartbleed' vulnerability discovered earlier this month, the report added.