Norton by Symantec released new insights into UK consumers’ mobile use and behaviours. The IT firm suggests that adults value their mobile devices more than ever, yet few are taking some of the necessary precautions to keep their devices and content safe and secure.
According to the report, Brits are now living various aspects of their work, social and online lives through their mobile devices. From surfing online to downloading apps, shopping and making payments from their mobile device, Norton found that more than a third (39 per cent) of UK mobile users stated that they could never give up their mobile device, and close to a quarter (23pc) of adults even indicated that it would be one of the top two personal items they would save if their house was on fire.
“People are relying more and more on their mobile devices to navigate, share, socialize and shop in today’s constantly-connected world,” said Richard Clooke at Norton by Symantec. “What many consumers may not realise is exactly how much of their personal and private information is up for grabs should these devices be compromised, lost or stolen. Considering the sensitive nature of data that is accessible from personal mobile devices, consumers need to take some basic, yet easy, precautions to protect it from falling into the wrong hands.”
Mobile devices
As people expand their online lives through mobile devices, many are not taking steps to secure their device and the content it contains. While a large majority (63pc) of mobile users indicated they store and access sensitive information on their mobile devices, almost a half (46pc) admitted to not using a password to help protect their personal data. In the event of theft or loss, a treasure trove of personal information stored on the device can potentially be accessed including personal emails, a potential gateway to other sensitive information such as work correspondence and documents, passwords for other online accounts, and bank statements.
The study also reveals that losing a mobile device is common, costly and stressful for consumers. 1 in 4 adults have had a mobile device lost or stolen, costing individuals an average of £73 for the replacement or temporary use of a mobile phone, and double (£152) to replace a tablet.2 When their mobile phone goes missing, UK consumers indicate that they are particularly worried about incurring costly bills due to telephone calls (39%), having those in their address book contacted (27%), or having purchases made through their lost or stolen phones (25pc).
The Norton study also reveals some surprising differences between European countries in regards to their attitudes toward mobile activities and the information they are willing to access or store on their device:
Only 13pc of Germans and 15pc of Russians indicated that they feel safe when making purchases from their mobile device, whereas a higher number of Polish (32pc) and Italian mobile users (24pc) revealed that they feel safe when making purchases from their device.
The Danish are more likely to store bank account information on their mobile device (13pc) than their Germans counterparts (4pc)
Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks
The British consumer is falling short when it comes to adequately securing their mobile device: Over a third (37pc) of mobile device users admit to not always downloading applications from trustworthy sources, and 28% indicated that they do not use secure payment methods when making purchases from their mobile device, leaving their sensitive information such as credit card details vulnerable. In fact, according to the survey, 7pc of UK mobile users have already fallen victim to mobile cybercrime.
However, this type of reckless behaviour is not limited to smartphones and tablets. Most adults use free or unsecured public Wi-Fi hotspots, and half of them are concerned about the potential risks of using free or unsecured public Wi-Fi hotspots, but yet still go ahead: 34pc use free public Wi-Fi spots to check their personal emails and 16pc of respondents said they access their bank details online through free, unsecured Wi-Fi connections, exposing their sensitive financial details to mobile sniffers.
“Consumers know how important it is to protect their computer from the wide range of threats they can encounter when online and off,” said Richard Clooke. “Yet, precautions also need to be taken to secure Internet-connected mobile devices that are just as vulnerable to cybercriminals looking to make some quick cash or to steal personal information. In the case of theft or loss, your data is in someone else’s hands. By installing mobile security software which protects against malicious online threats and enables you to lock, locate and wipe your device remotely, you can secure your personal life from potential intruders.”
For more
Visit: www.norton.com/uk/2013europeanmobileinsights
