China's largest security software provider has launched a new algorithm that aims to prevent websites from coming under attack by hackers.

The Wukong security algorithm, made by Qihoo 360, is designed to help website administrators fight cyber attacks and keep users’ details private, according to Zhang Xiangzheng, a security specialist with the company who worked on the algorithm.

"Some search engines or browsers have been seriously affected by website attacks in the past," he said.

"For example, hackers have tampered with web addresses, changing them to gambling or pornographic sites and luring netizens in."

The majority of websites targeted in this way have been those of governmental departments and educational institutes, Zhang said.

"Such attacks have affected the reputation of some browsers and may present potential security risks for users," he said, adding that the new algorithm was designed to prevent this.

Zhang said the software could reduce the possibility of netizens visiting hacked webpages by up to 70 percent.

Zhang Shaobo, another security specialist who worked on the algorithm, urged netizens and administrators to report any security risks as soon as they are identified.

"This helps to enrich our database of online security loopholes and then fix them," he said.