Smart-phone users beware – you are prone to cyber attacks. A new study undertaken by Experian reveals that a majority of smart-phones have no protection and are prone to cyber attacks. In fact, the study says that about 60 per cent of smart phones users and about 50 per cent of tablet users are unprotected against hacking. Such phones do not have any security against malwares and malicious software.
. The menace of hacking has become so severe that the miscreants resort to phishing emails and giving official look to an unauthorised and fabricated site to steal important data with an intention to defraud for pecuniary gains. It has assumed added urgency in view of the fact that mobile banking and money transfers as also online shopping getting more and more common. Predictably, organisations like Banks, Online Shopping Units, and Financial institutions are vulnerable to such attacks. In the course of the survey, many have conceded that they did not opt for any malware protection. It is thus natural that such users would be the target of attacks from the cyber criminals.
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Interestingly, the report claims that one in six smart-phone users has already fallen prey to the cyber attack via phishing email or browsing hijack. It is all the more an issue of concern because this phenomena is likely to grow, especially during the ensuing busiest online shopping period. The study further revealed that there had been an 80 per cent increase in phishing attacks directed at mobile devices worldwide over the past one year.
Now, how do we protect our devices and stay safe from the risks of hacking and data-stealing. The first step would obviously be take an appropriate internet security package for your mobile smart-phone or other device. Experian recommends a number of precautions against such eventualities. It suggests using a home screen lock on your mobile device. The other recommendations are to avoid storing account names or passwords on your device as also to be careful in regard to the use of public Wi-Fi network. Social media could also provide vital information about you to the miscreants. One needs to exercise caution while sharing personal information like date of birth, your nick name, place of birth, etc on social media
Now, how do we protect our devices and stay safe from the risks of hacking and data-stealing. The first step would obviously be take an appropriate internet security package for your mobile smart-phone or other device. Experian recommends a number of precautions against such eventualities. It suggests using a home screen lock on your mobile device. The other recommendations are to avoid storing account names or passwords on your device as also to be careful in regard to the use of public Wi-Fi network. Social media could also provide vital information about you to the miscreants. One needs to exercise caution while sharing personal information like date of birth, your nick name, place of birth, etc on social media
Author : Syed Zafar Ahmad
Designation: Executive Director
Bio: A freelancer with a flair for experimenting with innovative technology and electronic gadgets that could enrich the life of a modern common man, and a consultant in issues touching every-day life of a computer suave professional.
Bio: A freelancer with a flair for experimenting with innovative technology and electronic gadgets that could enrich the life of a modern common man, and a consultant in issues touching every-day life of a computer suave professional.
