2. Study Details
Study
Objective
To understand online security of internet users by computing there safety index scores.
Methodology
Web based online interviews were conducted.
The survey was promoted on Microsoft’s websites across 24 markets.
Sampling &
Survey timeframe
Random Sampling of internet users from 24 Markets during Jan 2012.
Data collection period: 29th Dec to 16th Jan.
Markets Covered & Sample size
Key
Information areas
Most often used operating system
Most often used windows based operating system
Measures adopted for online security
Austria
Belgium
Bosnia
Czech
Denmark
Finland
Greece
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Kazakhstan
Lithuania
Malta*
Montenegro
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Russia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Ukraine
501
503
215
501
514
502
501
500
137
502
168
500 11
500
504
500
509
512
503
172
366
500
500
435
* Malta registered insignificant sample for analysis.

3. Questionnaire flow Screener based on age
Operating system used most often to access internet for personal activities
Windows-based operating system installed on the computer used most often
Steps taken for online security
Steps taken for online security, while using internet
Steps taken to limit the amount of personal information available online
Actions taken to protect online security

4. Interpreting the MCSI 0-19. Get Back to Basics –
A score in this range indicates users may not be taking advantage of the most basic—and oftentimes free—protections available.
Take It Up a Notch –
Scores in this broad range suggest users have the basics covered, but opportunities exist to learn about new and emerging threats, particularly in the social realm.
Stay the Course –
A score in this range shows users are well-aware of the various threats—both existing and emerging—as well as the steps necessary to help guard against them.

5. Summary Key Insights from the study
Western Europe and Middle East registered similar mean average index score of 45 and EMEA & CEE registered the score 44. Slovakia has scored the highest average index score of 54, followed by Finland at 50 & Czech Republic at 49. Italy, Montenegro & Bosnia registers comparatively low average index scores at 39, 38 & 36 respectively. Average index score among male is comparatively higher at 45 (females score 43) and years age group registers higher index score of 47. However, non-parents score 46 as their average index score compared to 42 among parents.
Overall, 'Windows 7' (55%) is used the most for personal activities, followed by 'Windows XP' (26%). 'Windows 7' usage is also high across markets. Slovakia registers highest usage at 78%, followed by Russia (70%) and Ukraine (67%). In Bosnia, 'Windows XP' (47%) is used more compared to 'Windows 7' (42%).
Over 2/5th claim to 'educate themselves about the latest steps to take to prevent identity theft' for online security. While, majority of the users in Bosnia, Montenegro and Slovakia will 'educate themselves about the latest steps to take to protect their online reputation'.
Overall, half has 'changed social networking privacy settings to limit the information shared' & similar number 'use websites with an "https" connections', when using internet. However, in Austria and Russia, majority 'create screen names and/or gamer tags that are not their real name'.
61% have 'created passwords using upper and lower case letters, numbers and/or symbols' to limit the amount of personal information available online. Majority in Ireland and Italy 'conduct transactions on reputable sites ONLY' to limit the amount of their personal information available online. Russians equally 'create passwords using upper and lower case letters, numbers and/or symbols' & 'conduct transactions on reputable sites ONLY' to limit their personal information.
Across markets users have 'installed ant-virus/spyware/malware software on their PC and/or laptop' to protect their online security. In Finland and Czech, the scores are also high on 'running software updates and/or turning on automatic updates' and 'turning on and leaving on computer firewall'.

6. Results on online security
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7. Demographics & Index scores