Microsoft asks consumers to "Do 1 Thing" to support Safer Internet Day

Global Microsoft Consumer Safety Index reveals impact of poor online safety behaviors.

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Feb 11, 2014, 12:00 ET

REDMOND, Wash., Feb. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- In support of international Safer Internet Day (SID) and following the release of the latest results of the third annual Microsoft Computing Safety Index (MCSI), Microsoft Corp. is asking consumers to "Do 1 Thing" to stay safer online and commit to doing so on a new, interactive website, http://www.microsoft.com/saferonline.

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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; we email to stay connected, share photos and videos, pay bills, and shop," said Jacqueline Beauchere, chief online safety officer, Microsoft. "Sometimes, though, the very experiences that we love about the Internet put us at risk."

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. This means that education and guidance about how to avoid online risks remain key and is why Microsoft is asking people to "Do 1 Thing" today and make it part of their daily digital routine.

Of the more than 10,000 consumers surveyed:

15 percent said they were victims of a phishing attack, losing on average $158.
13 percent said their professional reputation had been compromised, costing on average $535 to repair.
9 percent said they had suffered identity theft at an average cost of $218.

Yet despite such losses, only 36 percent said they limit what strangers see on social networks and the amount of personal information online, while 33 percent said they adjust their social network privacy settings. And, only 33 percent use a PIN (personal identification number) or password to lock their mobile device.

"There are many things you can do to stay safer online. If we all do just one thing, imagine how much safer we all will be, together," Beauchere said. "Go to our website to share your one thing. Tell the world that you're committed to helping keep the Internet safer and more secure. And once you do, you'll be part of that positive change."

Internet users can make more informed decisions and help better protect their online activities by visiting http://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.

About the Microsoft Computing Safety Index survey

Now it its third year, the MCSI survey measures the online safety behavior of almost 10,500 consumers in 20 countries. The survey was conducted March through May 2013 and asked consumers to share their online experiences for the 12 months prior. Countries in the survey include Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Russia, Singapore, Spain,Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

SOURCE Microsoft Corp.