Microsoft releases Computing Safety Index report on Safer Internet Day

Close on the heels of the Google's 'Good to Know' campaign which was launched on Safer Internet Day, Tuesday, Microsoft has released the third edition of its annual Microsoft Computing Safety Index (MCSI). The index tabulates the fact that 20 percent of Indians are victims of phishing attacks.

In fact Microsoft has even urged consumers to visit the new interactive website. Microsoft has urged users to 'Do 1 Thing' and visit the site and make it a part of their daily digital routine to get educated about online risks.

The MCSI survey has also pointed out that 12 percent of Indians have reported identity theft at an average cost of Rs. 7,500. It also states that the annual worldwide impact of phishing and identity theft could be as high as $5 billion, and the cost of repairing the damage estimated at $6 billion with the per person loss coming up to $632. Another point highlighted by it is, of the seven behavioural steps taken to secure themselves online, Indian respondents have adopted an average of three steps, and deployed an average of 3.2 technical tools of the 12 available.

Speaking about the impact on the country, Prakash Kumar, National Technology Officer, Microsoft India Pvt. Ltd, says, " The Internet touches our lives every day, but how cautious are we about monitoring our online presence? There are ways to do that.It is important to commit oneself to help keep the Internet safe and make it more secure." The Index pointed out further statistics regarding safety in the virtual world. Globally, only 34 percent of people said that they limit strangers from seeing their information on social networks. 38 percent said that they adjust their privacy settings, and only 35 percent use a PIN (Personal Identification Number)to lock their mobile devices. Microsoft's new website allows users to learn about the risks involved and the manner in which one can protect themselves.

Akin to Google's 'Good to Know' website, the Microsoft website too offers a plethora of educational and safety tips for people. These range from helping them set up PIN codes on mobile devices, strong passwords to avoid being hacked into, to perform sensitive transactions online, protect online reputation and social circles. The MCSI survey itself measures online behaviour of consumers in 20 countries. It was conducted from March through to May 2013.