Protesters could target computers

Financial institutions could face electronic attacks today with fears G20 protesters will target computer infrastructures.

Industry experts said activists could flood inboxes with thousands of emails or unleash viruses, costing firms millions and wasted time.

April Fool's Day is already a popular date for creators of illegal programmes that download sensitive information or take control of computers. One virus, known as Conficker, may have infected more than 10million computers worldwide and could affect Londoners today.

Philip Bousfield, of GFI Software, said the combination of April Fool's Day and the G20 summit presents a serious risk.

He said overseas protesters could disrupt big businesses without leaving their homes. He added: "Some of these people are highly intelligent and they might do something malicious."