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.

Nearly 7,000 Mobiles Hacked

7,000 mobiles have been hacked in Britain, a lawyer has claimed, and there’s a chance that number will rise. 

The focus in this case has been on high profile targets including the mobile phones of actress Sienna Miller and former culture secretary Tessa Jowell.  Lawyer Charlotte Harris, who is representing several of the celebrities involved, said up to 7,000 people may have had their mobile phone voicemail messages intercepted.   

Whilst The News of the World has not accepted the numbers being claimed, they have issued an apology, saying: "We publicly and un-reservedly apologise to all such individuals. What happened to them should not have happened. It was and remains unacceptable."

This story has emphasised the growing need for tighter security on mobile phones particularly smartphones.  The high susceptibility of smartphones, their advanced data connections and the fact that we are increasingly using these devices for storing personal and commercial data makes them attractive to criminals.  Make sure you are protected! 

Find out more about smartphone defence by calling us today on 0115 9701471

A British Summer Time iPhone Glitch

Apple iPhone users were faced with yet another glitch this morning after the clocks ‘sprung’ forward over the weekend. 

The problem does not appear to have affected everyone with an iPhone, but some owners complained of being late for work on Monday Morning after an apple software glitch caused their alarms to malfunction.

According to user reports, the glitch has affected non-recurring alarms set within the iPhone's calendar application, rather than its dedicated alarm clock.  The affect found their wake-up alert coming one hour late, one hour early or not at all.

Apple has yet to comment on what caused it, but similar problems have previously hit iPhones in the US. 

Have you ever considered security for your mobile phone yet?  Contact us now to learn more 0115 970 1471