As technology evolves, so does the way we interact with others around us. Our mobile phones are a means of fulfilling our on-the-go, Internet-dependant lifestyles. Today, Norton released a survey that sheds light on Singaporeans’ mobile phone usage habits, the importance of their personal information, and their level of understanding when it comes to mobile security. The survey reveals:
Mobile phone is a necessity in our lives
Singaporeans are no longer using their mobile phones just to stay connected, but also to fulfill necessary daily tasks and engage in leisurely activities that enhance their lifestyle. The survey uncovered that a staggering 91 percent of the online population in Singapore possesses at least one mobile phone, which is on par with the number of people who own a computer (92 percent). While 88 per cent of respondents access the Internet via their computers, almost three quarters of the population (69 percent) use their phones to access the Internet, highlighting the evident need for Singaporeans to stay connected. The top online mobile phone activities include social networking (57 percent), reading the news (55 percent) and online messaging (39 percent). These activities are closely followed by mobile banking and payments (27 percent), location-based tasks, including navigation (25 percent); and online shopping (19 percent).
Need for greater awareness of mobile security
While 61 percent Singaporeans acknowledge mobile threats are real, almost half of the mobile users in Singapore do not use passwords to protect their phones, a very simple action that can help to protect personal information in the event of loss or theft of the device. Additionally, 30 percent are not aware if they can remotely track their phone using GPS navigation software. These findings somewhat reflect the lack of mobile security knowledge among Singaporean mobile users.
Singaporeans value contact information the most
One in three connected Singaporeans have had their mobile phone lost or stolen, with the majority (69 percent) losing it. For the victims, over three quarters (78 percent) mentioned losing their contact information was the worst part of the experience, and 52 percent felt their privacy had been invaded. To resolve the situation, two in three Singaporeans had paid an average of S$424.
In fact, three in five Singaporeans would have paid a ransom averaging S$273 in order to resolve their lost or stolen phone issue, and one in three would forgo a S$10,000 lottery win rather than lose their mobile phone. This further reinforces the high dependency Singaporeans have on their phones and the value they place on their personal information. It is promising to know that 53 percent of connected Singaporeans believe that security software would have helped in their mobile data recovery.
“Singapore is a very tech savvy nation that is hugely mobile and connected. Consumers have a good understanding of online threats that can affect them on their computers, but mobile security threats are something they need to start being aware of,” said David Freer, Vice President of Norton for Asia Pacific & Japan. “With greater connectivity to the Internet through mobile devices, cybercriminals are increasingly targeting this platform. With so much valuable and personal information residing on our mobile devices, mobile users need to have the right security measures in place – both a reliable mobile security solution and personal diligence to back up important information. ”
Staying Protected With Norton Mobile Security
Norton Mobile Security for Android devices addresses some of today’s most common mobile issues, including device loss and data protection. Norton Mobile Security has anti-theft, anti-malware, locate and remote wipe features. Norton Mobile Security Lite is available for free in English on the Google Play Store. For users seeking additional protection, there is the option to upgrade to the full featured Norton Mobile Security for an annual subscription of S$19.90.
About Norton by Symantec
Norton protects the Stuff that matters to consumers, across all aspects of their digital lives. Norton provides a range of security solutions including technologies for PCs and mobile devices, live tech support services and online backup. Like Norton on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/norton.
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