Smartphone owners more concerned about mobile security

Smartphone users are taking advantage of the many different applications and other software available to them through technology that seems to be updated daily. Along with the advanced technology that consumers are using, hackers are finding more ways to get through mobile devices' security, which mobile device management companies are addressing with urgency.

An online survey of 1,158 smartphone owners was conduced in December 2011. The results showed consumer attitudes and behaviors towards mobile privacy and security. Results indicated that almost three-fourths of American consumers are aware of and concerned about the security threats to their smartphones.

The people who stated they were aware and concerned about security threats admitted they weren't always active in taking precautions to keep their mobile devices safe. Eighty-one percent stated they were concerned about the fact that mobile devices contain private information that could be easily be attained by attackers, especially considering some smartphone users also utilize their mobile devices for business purposes.

"It's clear that smartphone users take protecting their data and privacy seriously, but they don't feel they know enough about how to keep their mobile devices safe," Omar Khan, mobile security expert, said.

Seventy-eight percent of smartphone users are concerned with their phone being stolen and its contents being misused, but 67 percent said they are concerned about losing their password data and would be willing to install mobile device security in order to keep their banking and other financial data safe.

Further highlighting the ubiquity of mobile technology, another recent report, from CTIA-The Wireless Association, found that 91 percent of Americans use cellphones. While MDM providers seek ways to beef up security so that users don't have to think about it so much, security experts are cautioning that user vigilance is still a key component of security.

"Consumers of all ages, incomes and education levels are using their smartphones every day for a wide variety of activities, ranging from taking photos and sending texts and emails, to playing games, accessing social media, and conducting banking, said Michael Kaiser, executive director of the National Cyber Security Alliance. "Smartphones can be convenient, fun and useful - but they also collect personal information that can be hacked, lost or misused. That is why we encourage all digital citizens to take an active role in learning safe practices and behaviors, and follow three simple steps: STOP. THINK. CONNECT."