Cybercrime affects over two-thirds of internet users: Norton study

A new study released today by security software maker, Norton studies the human impact of cybercrimes on individuals.

Two-thirds (65 per cent) of Internet users globally, and over three-quarters (76 per cent) of Indian web surfers have fallen victim to cybercrimes, including computer viruses, online credit card fraud and identity theft, making India one of the most victimised nations, second behind China, says Norton.

The report titled, Norton Cybercrime Report: The Human Impact shows that victims' strongest reactions are feeling angry (58 per cent), cheated (51 per cent) and annoyed / upset (46 per cent), and in many cases, blaming themselves (88 per cent) for being attacked while 8 per cent of Indians don't think it will happen to them.

The report further says that nearly 6 in 10 victims do not expect cybercriminals to be brought to justice and that just over a third (37 per cent) reported the crime to the police.

As far as solving cybercrime was concerned, it takes an average of 44 days to resolve a cybercrime in India, and the average cost to resolve that crime is Rs5,262, says the report.
 
The biggest hassle respondents in India faced when dealing with cybercrime was the general feeling of stress, anger or embarrassment (20 per cent) followed by the loss of irreplaceable data or items of sentimental value (19 per cent).
 
''We all pay for cybercrime, either directly or through pass-along costs from our financial institutions,'' said Adam Palmer, Norton lead cyber security advisor. ''Cybercriminals purposely steal small amounts to remain undetected, but all of these add up. If you fail to report a loss, you may actually be helping the criminal stay under the radar.''

The ''human impact'' aspect of the report further delves into the little crimes or white lies consumers perpetrate against friends, family, loved ones and businesses.

Nearly half of respondents think it's legal to download a single music track, album or movie without paying. Twenty-four per cent believe it's legal or perfectly okay to secretly view someone else's e-mails or browser history. 

Some of these behaviors, such as downloading files, open people up to additional security threats, says Norton.
 
 ''People resist protecting themselves and their computers because they think it's too complicated,'' said Anne Collier, co-director of ConnectSafely.org and editor of NetFamilyNews.org, who collaborated with Norton on the study.

The best defense against cybercrime, says Norton is to surf the Internet with up-to-date, comprehensive security software.

Symantec's Norton products protect consumers from cybercrime with technologies like antivirus, anti-spyware and phishing protection.

Symantec is a global leader in providing security; storage and systems management solutions to help consumers and organizations secure and manage their information-driven world.