New Delhi: In support of international Safer Internet Day (SID), Microsoft has released the results of the third annual Microsoft Computing Safer Index (MCSI) that reveals impact of poor online safety behaviour. Microsoft is asking consumers to visit the new, interactive website (http://www.microsoft.com/saferonline) to “Do 1 Thing” today and make it part of their daily digital routine because education and guidance about how to avoid online risks remain key.

According to the MCSI survey, the annual worldwide impact of phishing and various forms of identity theft could be as high as $5 billion, with the cost of repairing damage to peoples’ online reputation higher yet at nearly $6 billion, or an estimated average of  $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  7,500.

-Of the seven behavioural steps to secure oneself online, Indian respondents adopted an average 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.

Read More: India PC Market Declined 19.9 Percent In Q4 2013: Gartner