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A recent study conducted by NQ Mobile found that only 52 percent of smartphone users protect their devices with a pin number or password. This is true even if their phone was lost or stolen in the past, with only 33 percent of owners saying the incident prompted them to take additional precautions. But many smartphone users believe they would be in "big trouble" if their device fell into the wrong hands.

This was true for 89 percent of respondents ages 18 to 34 who said they had private information stored on their smartphone. Respondents listed the following types of information that would be compromised:

• Bank log-in information (59 percent)
• Social media log-in (37 percent)
• Personal financial information (45 percent)
• Confidential work-related information (24 percent)

"Consumers are entrusting their mobile devices with their most valuable information, and they seem aware of the problems that a loss or breach of security can cause," said NQ Mobile chief officer, Conrad Edwards. "Still, we're not seeing people taking the level of ACTION they should in order to protect themselves."

Smarter security behavior
LifeHacker recommended that smartphone users protect their devices with a pin or password, but noted users may still be vulnerable.

On some phones, hackers could exploit software vulnerabilities to see contacts, phone calls and access photos. While they may not be able to access all of the data, this could still be a violation of privacy. Other phones could have vulnerabilities that allow thieves to unlock a stolen or lost phone and access any information on it. And even if a phone is locked, a hacker could crack the short pin number or password used to protect it.

"Passcodes do not mean encryption," explained one security expert, Brandon Gregg. "Only if you specifically go to your Android settings can you encrypt your phone (and SD card) with a separate, strong password. Too many people believe their four digit Android or iOS passcodes protect their private information."

Additionally, a patient hacker could access data on the device's hard drive if it's stored without encryption.

In addition to protecting confidential information stored on smartphones, many consumers use mobile devices to access websites that contain personal or confidential information. Many are also making purchases on e-commerce sites. Website security in these settings is just as important as it is on PCs. Consumers should confirm that SSL certificates are in place before navigating to e-commerce sites on their phones.

With more purchases being made online and companies trying to maintain consumer confidence, it's important from them to ensure security, like with an SSL certificate. Visit Thawte today to learn more!

corporate office

Thawte
The Gateway
Century Lane
Century City, 7441
Cape Town
South Africa

Postal Address:
P O Box 15986
Panorama 7500
Cape Town
South Africa

Call: +27 21 819 2200
Fax: +27 21 819 2950