Mobiles more important than cars

Whilst mobile malware continues to grow rapidly, UK consumers aren’t doing enough to protect themselves, despite new stats that show mobile phones are more important to many people than cars.

Lookout Mobile Security, a security software vendor, has revealed that few of us take steps to ensure “this very personal device” is protected.

In a recent study, they found that 74% of mobile users don’t regularly back up personal data, and 85% have no way of locating their phone in the event it is lost or stolen.

The survey discovered that people are surprisingly emotionally attached to their phone and would choose to save it from a burning building over other items such as wallets, keys or sentimental keepsakes.

34% of respondents said that they check their device “every time they go to the toilet or make a cup of tea”, while a quarter check it every hour or every few minutes.

Over 50% of people asked said that they feel “frustrated or anxious when they lose their phone.”

60% said that they worry about losing their contacts and other information and 50% fear being hacked. However, only 4 out of 10 set a pin and just 25% carry out security updates when they become available.

“Mobile threats don’t discriminate based on where you are. They tend to be global, affecting people around the world,” said Lookout CEO and co-founder, John Hering.

“We are providing a simple way for people to protect their most personal and trusted devices.”

Lookout Mobile Security is a free app designed to protect users from malware, spyware and phishing scams, including malicious apps, and is available on the Android Market and the Apple App Store.

“Smartphones and tablets are our most personal computers. The survey reinforces just how important they are to people. As consumers continue to use their mobile devices both at work and at home, they should take steps to protect them and the personal information on them,” Hering added.