45 per cent of smartphone users sleep with their devices
Symantec's 2013 report has found that British consumers are still throwing caution to the wind when it comes to securing their mobiles, despite the fact they're almost always in use.
The study shows that 45 per cent of smartphone and tablet users sleep with their devices, but 54 per cent of people aren't even aware mobile security software exists. 48 per cent don't even use basic protection, such as passwords.
Despite this, the cost of cybercrime in the UK has dropped from £1.8 billion in 2012 to £826 million this year, with cost per victim falling from £144 to £101, but people are still playing with fire.
48 per cent of social networkers don't log out after their sessions and 32 per cent share passwords with others, while 31 per cent said the ease of constant connectivity outweighs the danger of hacks and fraud.
Marian Merritt, internet safety advocate, Symantec, said: "If this was a test, mobile consumers would be failing. While consumers are protecting their computers, there is a general lack of awareness to safeguard their smartphones and tablets. It’s as if they have alarm systems for their homes, but they’re leaving their cars unlocked with the windows wide open."
