Study reveals significant data security risks
(23 March 2010 – Global) AVG Technologies, consumer security software provider, has revealed details of a sobering study uncovering new statistics about the data security risks involved in everyday smartphone use.
The findings are the result of a recent study conducted by the Ponemon Institute in concert with AVG of 734 random US consumers over the age of 18 regarding their mobile communications behaviour.
Of those surveyed, 89 percent of were unaware that smartphone applications can transmit confidential payment information such as credit card details without the user's knowledge or consent.
The report also revealed that 91 percent of respondents were unaware that financial applications for smartphones can be infected with specialised malware designed to steal credit card numbers and online banking credentials, yet nearly a third report already storing credit and debit card information on their devices and 35 percent report storing 'confidential' work related documents as well.
Dr Larry Ponemon, chairman and founder of Ponemon Institute said that the findings of the study signal what could be an overlooked security risk for organisations created by employees' use of smartphones.
"Because consumers in our study report that they often use smartphones interchangeably for business and personal, organisations should make sure their security policies include guidelines for the appropriate use of smartphones that are used for company purposes,' Dr Ponemon added.
Of those surveyed, 89 percent of were unaware that smartphone applications can transmit confidential payment information such as credit card details without the user's knowledge or consent.
The report also revealed that 91 percent of respondents were unaware that financial applications for smartphones can be infected with specialised malware designed to steal credit card numbers and online banking credentials, yet nearly a third report already storing credit and debit card information on their devices and 35 percent report storing 'confidential' work related documents as well.
Dr Larry Ponemon, chairman and founder of Ponemon Institute said that the findings of the study signal what could be an overlooked security risk for organisations created by employees' use of smartphones.
"Because consumers in our study report that they often use smartphones interchangeably for business and personal, organisations should make sure their security policies include guidelines for the appropriate use of smartphones that are used for company purposes,' Dr Ponemon added.
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