AVG Survey Suggests that we are too Lazy about Smartphone Security

The results of a US based survey have highlighted that most mobile phone users are dangerously lazy when it comes to security. 

The majority of mobile users have no real qualms about making purchases via mobile, and tend to use the same phone in both a personal and business context.  Each of these scenarios is considered amongst the most common vulnerabilities in web security.  Despite this, few of us use phone-locking passwords and duplicate the same passwords for mobile apps that we use on our desktops.

Security firm AVG and research and consulting firm The Ponemon Institute are responsible for the survey;

Approximately, 84% of consumers use the same smartphone for both professional and personal tasks.  This doubles the risk of confidential information being shared should your phone ever be lost or stolen.

Particularly if you are among the 66% of respondents that keep personal and personally identifiable data such as an email addresses, or personal dates on your phone.  Or worse still, if you are amongst the 23% of respondents who said they stored passwords on their phones.

Worryingly, 67% of consumers surveyed said they were concerned about receiving marketing ads and promotions, but just 44% said they were worried about the possibility of a mobile virus attack.

Consider the details your store on your smartphone, especially if you use it for online banking or to make purchases, should you be so relaxed?  Mobile fraud is on the rise, make sure that you are protected.

For less than £20 you can protect your smartphone with an Anti-Virus, Anti-Spam, Anti-Theft all-in-one solution.  More information here.