A quarter of smartphone users have experienced mobile cybercrime in the last year, new research published in the 2013 Norton Internet Security report has revealed.
Use of mobile phone and tablet devices is increasing but consumers are failing to protect themselves.
The report revealed that cybercriminals are moving towards mobile and tablet devices as consumers are less security conscious.
Only 35% of mobile phone users avoid storing sensitive files online, compared to 79% of PC users.
Also, less than half of mobile phone users delete suspicious emails from people they don’t know compared to 90% of PC users.
How to spot a scam
One example of cybercrime on your phone includes your smartphone being lost or stolen and someone hacking into your social media or email account and pretending to be you.
Another example is if your phone is infected with a virus and texts are sent without your knowledge, which you later have to pay for.
If you’ve received a suspicious email on your phone or computer, find out how to spot if it is a scam.
Social media security
The report also highlighted the importance of protecting yourself on social media websites.
Nearly half of social network users don’t log out after each session, with 9% of social media users saying someone has hacked into their social network accounts.
Tips for staying safe online
Don’t forget that your mobile phone is just as susceptible to scams as your computer. Save sensitive transactions for secure connections, and be cautious of what you secure on the Cloud.
You should also check your bank accounts regularly for fraudulent transactions. Read our guide if you think a fraudster has stolen your bank details.
For more tips, see our guide on mobile phone security.
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