Norton
by Symantec today released new insights into Middle East and African
consumers’ mobile use and behaviours1, revealing that adults rely on
their mobile devices more than ever, yet few are taking some of the
necessary precautions to keep their devices and content safe and secure.
According to a report published in 2013 by Twinpine, a mobile
advertising network reaching millions of Africans on mobile devices via
the mobile web, mobile penetration in Nigeria is 69.01%. The report
revealed that mobile subscribers grew by 18% between 2011 and 2012.
Consumers in the Middle East and Africa are now living various aspects
of their work, social and online lives through their mobile devices.
From surfing onlineto downloading apps, shopping and making payments
from their mobile device, Norton found that nearly nine out of ten
online adults (87%) in the Middle East and Africa are mobile device
users, of which a large majority (78%) are using them to access the
Internet.
“People are relying more and more on their mobile phones and tablets to
navigate, share, socialize and shop in today’s constantly-connected
world,” said Kara Rawden at Norton by Symantec. “What many consumers
maynot realise is exactly how much of their personal and private
information is up for grabs should these devices be compromised, lost or
stolen. Considering the sensitive nature of data that is accessible
from personal mobile devices, consumers need to take some basic, yet
easy, precautions to protect it from falling into the wrong hands.”
“Risky Business” on Mobile Devices
Yet as people expand their online lives through mobile devices, many are
not taking steps to secure their device and the content it contains,
specifically:
Nearly one in fourmobile device users in the Middle East and Africa
admit to not always downloading applications from trustworthy sources
Close to three in ten (29%) indicated that they do not use secure
payment methods when making purchases from their mobile device, leaving
their sensitive information such as credit card details vulnerable
In addition, more than one-quarter (28%), admitted to not using a
password to help protect their personal data. In the event of theft or
loss, a treasure trove of personal information stored on the device can
potentially be accessed including personal emails, a possiblegateway to
other sensitive information such as work correspondence and documents
(54%), passwords for other online accounts (20%), and bank statements
(33%).2
The lack of precaution taken by mobile users can have unfortunate
consequences for some: close to two in five mobile users in the Middle
East and Africa have fallen victim to mobile cybercrime3.
“Consumers know how important it is to protect their computer from the
wide range of threats they can encounter when online and off,” said Kara
Rawden. “Yet, provisions also need to be taken to secure
Internet-connected mobile devices that are just as vulnerable to
cybercriminals looking to make some quick cash or to steal personal
information. In the case of theft or loss, your data is in someone
else’s hands.By installing mobile security software which protects
against malicious online threats and enablesyou to lock, locate and wipe
your device remotely, you can secure your personal life frompotential
intruders.”
Visit mobilesecurity.comfor additional insights from Norton mobile
security experts, including articles, videos, widgets and infographics
shedding light on timely mobile topics.
