• News
  • Tech News
  • Identity theft costs every Indian netizen Rs 7,500: Microsoft
This story is from February 12, 2014

Identity theft costs every Indian netizen Rs 7,500: Microsoft

A survey by Microsoft has found damages from online identity theft to have cost Indians about Rs 7,500 on an average.
Identity theft costs every Indian netizen Rs 7,500: Microsoft
NEW DELHI: As more Indians are logging onto the internet, cases of identity theft are also on the rise and a survey by Microsoft has found damages from such acts to have cost individuals about Rs 7,500 on an average.
According to Microsoft's third annual Computing Safer Index (MCSI), 20% of respondents from India said they had fallen prey to phishing attacks.
"About 12% Indian respondents said they suffered identity theft at an average cost them Rs 7,500," MSCI added.

Globally, Microsoft said identity thefts has cost as much as $5 billion overall.
"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 (Rs 39,000) per loss," MSCI estimates.
The survey, released on International Safer Internet Day, measures the online safety behaviour of about 10,500 consumers in 20 countries and was conducted between March-May 2013.

Globally, only 34% said they limit what strangers see on social networks and the amount of personal information online, while 38% said they adjust their social network privacy settings, the survey results showed.
Only 35% respondents said they use PIN (personal identification number) or a password to lock their mobile device.
Viewing the growing threat landscape around identity thefts, Microsoft has started a new interactive website to offer guidance about how consumers can avoid online risks.
"Internet users can prevent intrusions and thefts by using a unique four-digit PIN for mobile devices and strong passwords for online accounts," Microsoft India National Technology Officer Prakash Kumar said.
Kumar advised that users should perform sensitive transactions over secured networks, which includes paying bills, banking or shopping.
Search engine giant Google, as part of its efforts, has partnered with Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) and Voluntary Organization in the Interest of Consumer Education (Voice) for organizing a series of online safety workshops for schools, NGOs, consumer and industry groups across India.
"Through the 'Good to Know' campaign, we want to help equip millions of new internet users coming online in India with the knowledge and tools needed to become responsible digital citizens," Google India country head - public policy Chetan Krishnaswamy said.
End of Article
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA