Many Smartphone Users Oblivious to Security Risks, Says AVG
According to a survey performed by the Ponemon Institute and AVG Technologies, company that specializes in providing antivirus and internet security protection to home and business users, numerous smartphone users are not aware what security risks plague smartphones. There are security risks associated with using smartphones for financial purposes and to store personal data, and one third of users are not aware of these risks.
“Our research suggests that smartphone users lack the awareness and knowledge to protect themselves from a rash of security vulnerabilities,” said Dr. Larry Ponemon, chairman and founder of the Ponemon Institute.
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“AVG and Ponemon Institute found that an alarmingly low percentage of smartphone users are aware of the security threats that exist today on many of the world’s most popular devices including Android handsets and the iPhone," said J.R. Smith, CEO, AVG Technologies. “A clear opportunity exists to better educate consumers on the steps they can take to minimize their risk and exposure, such as downloading low cost and even free anti-virus products specifically geared to protect their mobile lifestyle and investment.”
A total of 734 US consumers over 18 who own an iPhone, Blackberry or Android-powered smartphone took part in this survey. Here are the survey’s main findings:
- One third of smartphone users are not aware of the increasing security risks associated with using their phones for financial purposes and to store personal data.
- Only 29% of users considered using free or paid antivirus software to protect their personal devices.
- 13% of users said location data had been unknowingly embedded on their handset enabling others to track their location. 21% of users had no idea that their location could be tracked via their smartphone.
- 8% of users said they had their smartphone infected with diallerware. Only 10% of users knew criminals could use diallerware.
- 6% of users said mobile applications transmitted confidential payment information without their consent. 11% of users were not aware of the fact that transmitting confidential payment information like credit card data without their consent is possible.
If the results of this survey got you thinking that you should install antivirus software on your Android-powered smartphone, then you need to know that you could get AVG Antivirus Free. As AVG Technologies explained, more than 7 million android users got the antivirus so far, and 50,000 users keep getting it on a daily basis. You can learn more about AVG Antivirus Free for Android here.
According to a survey performed by the Ponemon Institute and AVG Technologies, company that specializes in providing antivirus and internet security protection to home and business users, numerous smartphone users are not aware what security risks plague smartphones. There are security risks associated with using smartphones for financial purposes and to store personal data, and one third of users are not aware of these risks. 