Two thirds of internet users are crime victims

Some 65 per cent of global internet users have been victims of online crime, according to a survey of over 7,000 people by Symantec's Norton division.

The Norton Cybercrime Report (PDF) found that Chinese users are most at risk, and that 83 per cent had fallen prey to computer viruses, credit card fraud and identity theft. Brazil and India tied for second place, followed by the US with 73 per cent.

The average online crime took 28 days to resolve and cost $338 (£219) per person. Over a quarter of respondents said that the time such a crime took to get sorted out is the biggest problem. Over half of victims said that 'anger' is their first response.

"We accept cyber crime because of a 'learned helplessness'," said Joseph LaBrie, associate professor of psychology at Loyola Marymount University.

"It's like getting ripped off at a garage. If you don't know enough about cars, you don't argue with the mechanic. People just accept a situation, even if it feels bad."

However, people have a very lax view of personal responsibility when it comes to their own behaviour, the report found.

Nearly half of respondents said that it is acceptable to download a pirated music track, and 24 per cent are happy to read someone's email without their knowledge.