App downloads expose most Indian users

• About one in two Indians is severely exposed to privacy risks, as they allow most app developers to access their contact directories and other data stored on their smartphones in exchange for free applications, according to a study conducted by security software developer Norton.
• Mobiles are digital warehouses storing our most personal moments and information, such as photos and videos, conversations with friends and family, health and fitness information, financial data and more. Yet, most consumers unknowingly put personal information which resides on their mobile phones at risk and compromise their privacy.

Highlights of the report:
Mobile usage patterns of Indians

• Two out of three Indians (65%) now access the internet more often on a mobile device than on a PC. In fact, the smartphone is usually the first and only device used for accessing the internet.
• Indian users check their device an average of 41 times a day, highlighting the increased dependency and usage of the smart phone.

Mobile security risks growing rapidly

• About 34% of respondents said that virus/malware was the biggest security issue followed by threats involving fraudulent access or misuse of credit card or bank account details (21%) and hacking or leaking of personal information (19%).
• While four out of five (81%) consumers concede that security risks like malware, hacking and misuse of data and cyber stalking on mobile devices were just the same as if not more than those faced while using desktops/laptops, ironically a majority (nearly 60%) of them seem to be undermining the security of their devices by dismissing these risks as fairly minimal.

Consumers are their worst enemies when it comes to mobile privacy

• The Norton Mobile Survey reveals that close to 50% of Indians have over 20 apps on their smartphones or tablets.
• Over one in three consumers use apps that are likely to collect data about them, yet one in five say they would download any app that “looked cool”, regardless of its origin or reputation.
• 36% would either always grant permissions or simply don’t know enough about the kind of permissions they may have granted.
• Social networking (86%), and messaging/chat (78%) apps continue to dominate at the number one and two spot, followed by mobile wallet (62%), mobile banking (67%) and e-commerce (76%) forming the top five most commonly used apps.

Permissions most commonly requested:

• Nearly one in two Indians (47%) granted access to contacts and mobile data in exchange for free apps
• 50% have granted permission to send promotional texts/emails
• About 40% have granted permission to access their camera, bookmarks and browser history
• About 30% granted permission to apps for tracking their geolocation.

Online Shopping and mWallets

• The study found that e-commerce apps (76%) along with mobile banking (67%) and mobile wallets (62%), rank among the most popular apps, preceded only by social networking (86%) and messaging apps (78%).
• Close to 50% of consumers accept that they shop online.
• While 68% of the users worry about the security threats of online shopping, 42% claim that they have, in fact, experienced a security problem, threat or nuisance as a result of using their devices for online shopping.
• Yet, only 26% of online shoppers believe that threats are increasing. Ironically, a whopping 50% believe that online risks are reducing.
• About 52% of users believe their mWallet has come under threat as a result of using other apps on their devices, especially social media apps which pose the greatest threat according to 27% respondents.
• Norton provides some city specific data too. Within India, users in Delhi (71%) indulge more frequently in mobile banking than those in Mumbai (63%), the financial capital of India. Other findings reveal that respondents (one out of two) from Kolkata spent the maximum time (more than five hours a day) online followed by Chennai, Bangalore and Delhi.
• Chennai ranked the highest when it came to downloading an app from “any website that offers a cool looking app” with one out of three respondent (29.4%) doing so, followed by Delhi, Kolkata and Hyderabad.

How to reduce this risk:

• Use Strong Passwords and Lock Screen patterns: Lock screen security is important, as it makes it more or less impossible for a thief to access your information. If a simple swipe is all it takes to unlock your tablet or smartphone, you’re leaving your information very vulnerable in the event of theft. Also, use different passwords for different apps and change them often.
• Be Vigilant: Being aware of SMS phishing scams is another essential measure. It’s not just emails you have to watch out for these days—phishing scams come in the form of text messages as well. Remember to trust your instincts; if a message seems suspicious, it probably is.
• Review Settings and Updates Regularly: Keeping your phone or tablet’s software updated is important, as is the case with your computer. If your mobile device isn’t regularly updated, it’s vulnerable to threats. You’ll also want to review your security settings on your device and make adjustments as needed.
• Download Apps From Official App Stores: Third-party app stores may not put apps through the same rigour as official app stores such as the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store

By: Vishal