According to the Microsoft Computing Safety Index, the annual worldwide impact of phishing and various forms of identity theft could be as high as USD 5 billion, with the cost of repairing damage to peoples’ online reputation higher yet at nearly USD 6 billion, or an estimated average of USD 632 per loss.
Of the more than 10,000 consumers surveyed globally:
- 20 percent Indians said they were victims of online phishing attacks
- 12 percent Indians said they suffered identity theft at an average cost of INR 7,500
- Of the seven behavioural steps to secure oneself online, Indian respondents adopted an average of three steps, and deployed an average of 3.2 technical tools out of a total of 12 available tools
Globally, only 34 percent said they limit what strangers see on social networks and the amount of personal information online, while 38 percent said they adjust their social network privacy settings. And, only 35 percent use a PIN (personal identification number) or password to lock their mobile device. The new site allows Internet users around the world to share how they plan to avoid online risks, learn what other people are doing to help protect themselves, and receive instant tips to enhance their digital lifestyle.
“The Internet touches our lives every day, whether we are communicating with loved ones, for work, shopping, and paying bills,” said Prakash Kumar, National Technology Officer, Microsoft India. “But, how cautious are we about monitoring our online presence, and taking note of our own vulnerabilities? There are many things you can do to stay safer online. What is needed is to do just one thing, and we can all be much safer, together,” Kumar said.
Internet users can make more informed decisions and help better protect their online activities by visiting www.microsoft.com/saferonline, which provides a range of hints, tips and guidance including the following:
* Help guard your devices and online accounts. Use a unique four-digit PIN for mobile devices and strong passwords for online accounts.
* Perform sensitive transactions over secured networks. This includes paying bills, banking or shopping. Don’t share personal account information over “borrowed” or public Wi-Fi connections.
* Take charge of your online reputation. Discover what information about you is on the Internet, periodically re-evaluate it, and remove unwanted or inaccurate content to cultivate an accurate, positive reputation.
* Help protect your social circles. Use privacy settings to manage the information you share and with whom you share it. Be selective about what you post and accepting friends.