72% Mobile Users are Concerned about Mobile Security: McAfee Mobile Security Report

By in Mobile Phones

McAfee Security ReportMcAfee has published its McAfee Mobile Security Report 2008 revealing that 72% of mobile consumers are concerned about the security of today’s and tomorrows mobile services. Such mobile services include mobile multimedia downloads, mobile payments and mobile ticketing.

The report further reported that:

  • 86% of users are worried about security risks posed to their mobile handset such as fraudulent bill increases or information loss or theft
  • 34% of global mobile users question the general safety of mobile devices and services
  • At least 79% of consumers are knowingly using unprotected devices, with an additional 15% unsure of security levels
  • 59% of subscribers expect mobile operators to take primary responsibility for protecting mobile devices and services

    • “Concerns about specific mobile security risks or the loss of credibility in the reliability of services is a crucial issue for operators, particularly in mature markets. Yet, this research clearly highlights that consumer fears are growing in tandem with increased mobile functionality, jeopardizing the success of new revenue-generating services and increased operator ARPU,” said Victor Kouznetsov, senior vice president of McAfee Mobile Security.

    McAfee also observed that security concerns are higher amongst 80% frequent mobile internet surfers, as compared to people who have never used such a facility.

    This survey was conducted by Datamonitor 2000 mobile consumers with responses spread evenly across the U.S., UK and Japan.