While many smartphone today believe they are using their devices securely, in reality they remain exposed to a number of risks, according to a study by Lookout, titled Mobile Privacy IQ, which looked at the smartphone of more than 1,000 users.
According to the survey, 41% of smartphone users consider themselves to have above-average knowledge of mobile security issues. But among this group, a significant number of users use their devices in risky ways. For example, 35% say they connect to open public wi-fi networks, 34% have not set a pin or password on their phone, and 35% download apps from unofficial sources.
Among all users, the dangerous way of using smartphones is constantly increasing. It has been observed that 76% of all users connect to public or open wi-fi networks. What is worrying is that 56% of users download and install applications without reading the permissions required by the application.
Many users also seemed reluctant to uninstall apps they use even when they know the risks. About 44% said they were aware that they were using apps that sent their data to third parties. In fact, one in three users said they were willing to give more information about themselves to companies so that those apps could serve them better.
More interestingly for security gurus in the business world, survey respondents made it clear that they would go to greater lengths to secure their personal data than their work data. About 60% of respondents said they were at least concerned about the privacy of work data, with only 5% wanting to ensure its security.
