A website aimed at improving internet security for small business and consumers is to be launched by the government, information technology industry, banks and online retailers.

Eight private sector sponsors, including Microsoft, Dell, HSBC, Lloyds TSB and eBay, which is helping design the site, have so far pledged £150,000 in cash or kind to match a similar £150,000 investment by the Cabinet Office, according to Jim Murphy, the Cabinet Office minister.