Consumer Reports survey on mobile phones and security

In early 2011 Consumer Reports National Research Center conducted the National State of the Net Survey. They surveyed 2,089 households and mobile phone users.

Key findings

Almost 30% didn’t take precautions to secure their phone.

Approximately 9% of mobile phone users surveyed used their phone for banking

About 20% of mobile owners surveyed, protected their phone with a PIN or password

Less than 33% of mobile phone users surveyed regularly download software updates or back up their data to another device for security

Mobile phone attacks

Malware or malicious software (viruses, spyware, and viruses) attacks against phones that use apps are increasing.  For example, DroidDream malware infected 260,000 Android phones. It was downloaded from Google’s Android Market on more than 50 apps. It accessed all data on the phones, including passwords and banking credentials. Google removed the apps from Android Market and released a tool to clean it off infected phones.

Location sharing

Mobile phones with GPS can track your location. The Foursquare app can let friends and strangers know where you are.  Taking photos on smart phone and use phone-sharing services can share your location as well.

Mobile phone protection suggestions

Protect your data by using a PIN or password.

Many mobile phone makers offer free security services – over-the-air back-up, remote phone locating, phone locating, and erasing of data and account information.

Install software that lets you lock the phone or erase its data remotely.

Turn off phone’s GPS when not needed.

Be careful when downloading apps. iPhones use Apple software that is tightly controlled. Android apps aren’t as restrictive, so download apps from recognized sources, such as Google’s Android Market and Amazon’s Appstore.

Before loading apps read reviews and research the developer you don’t know. Pay attention to what they are telling you.

Make sure you protect your phone with personal identification number (PIN) or password.  Be careful when downloading apps, especially on Android  phones.  Remember, what it took 15 years to do in computers, took 2 years for mobile.

John Ulzheimer is the President of Consumer Education at SmartCredit.com, the credit blogger for Mint.com, and a Contributor for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.  He is an expert on credit reporting, credit scoring and identity theft. Formerly of FICO, Equifax and Credit.com, John is the only recognized credit expert who actually comes from the credit industry.  Follow him on Twitter here.

Categorised in: Identity Theft

This post was written by John Ulzheimer