Singapore's computer users safest in the world: Microsoft

Computer users in Singapore are the safest in the world, taking the most precautions with their devices while surfing online, according to a report by software giant Mircosoft. Microsoft surveyed more than 500 consumers in each country.

In the report released on Friday, Singapore scored 42 points in the latest Microsoft Computing Safety Index to emerge top on the list of 20 countries, with Malaysia (40) trailing close behind and the United Kingdom (39), Canada (39), Australia (39) and US (37) following after. This is the second time, Microsoft is has done its annual safety index but the first time Singapore has been surveyed for the index.

The scores are based on precautions which consumers take to protect themselves and their families online. They included updating anti-virus software, creating unique and strong passwords and managing privacy settings on social media and gaming sites.

Singapore however did not fair as well in the survey when it came to mobile devices. In Microsoft's first Mobile Computing Safety Index, Singapore ranked ninth and scored 43 points. Indonesia, came out tops with a score of 49.

The mobile index is based on a different set of steps which users take to protect themselves.

In compiling this index, Microsoft found that only about half of the respondents in Singapore use a PIN to lock their device and about 40 per cent install software updates when they become available.

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