With a rise in smartphone adoption, more and more Indians are sharing their personal information in exchange for free mobile apps. This was revealed in a Norton study, which found out that nearly one in two Indians had granted access to contacts and mobile data in exchange for free apps and close to 40 percent have granted access to their camera.
The study also revealed nearly 65 percent Indians now access the internet more often on a mobile device than on a PC. In fact, the smartphone is often the first and only device used for accessing the internet. Highlighting the increased dependency and usage, respondents reported that they check their device an average of 41 times a day. While making calls continue to be the primary use of a smartphone, applications for internet browsing, communication and social media are just as important.
Mobile security risks are growing rapidly. Globally, out of the 10.8 million apps analysed by Symantec’s Norton Mobile Insights in 2015, almost 3.3 million were classified as malware, a 230 percent increase from 2014. The survey also highlighted that the most concerning security issues for Indian mobile users were virus/malware attacks (34 percent), followed by threats involving fraudulent access or misuse of credit card or bank account details (21 percent) and hacking or leaking of personal information (19 percent).
While 81 percent consumers conceded that security risks like malware, hacking and misuse of data, cyber stalking etc. on mobile devices were just as great, if not greater than those faced while using desktops/laptops, ironically a majority (nearly 60 percent) of them seem to be undermining the security of their devices by dismissing these risks as fairly minimal.
“In today’s connected world, mobile devices are more than mini computers in our pockets – they are digital warehouses storing our most personal moments and information, such as photos and videos, conversations with friends and family, health and fitness information, financial data and more,” said Ritesh Chopra, Country Manager, India, Norton by Symantec. “Yet, most consumers unknowingly put personal information which resides on their mobile phones at risk and compromise their privacy.”
Further, nearly one in two Indians have granted access to contacts and mobile data and close to 40 percent have granted permission to access their camera, bookmarks and browser history, while installing a free app. Also, close to 30 percent have granted permission to apps for tracking their geolocation.
A day lost in fighting malware and security issues
The report says that victims lost an average of 24 hours dealing with mobile security issues. The most common nuisances that consumers complained of were junk texts and annoying pop up ads etc. (mentioned by over one in three). Worryingly, the same proportion also mentioned that they had experienced virus/malware on their devices. The victims also felt that these problems had taken up an average of over 24 hours to resolve.
“As consumers in India increasingly turn to smartphones and tablets to provide them with access to information and digital experiences, they need to pause and take stock of how they may be compromising their security and privacy in return. Real mobile freedom starts with basic best practices like keeping the mobile software updated, being aware of app permissions, checking the reputation of the apps we download among others,” added Chopra.