View all newsletters
Receive our newsletter - data, insights and analysis delivered to you
  1. Technology
  2. Cybersecurity
August 21, 2014

Automatic logins leave ‘back door wide open to hackers’

A quarter of people are constantly logged into mobile banking.

By Jimmy Nicholls

Automatic logins are leaving people vulnerable to hacking across multiple devices, according to security firm Intercede.

A survey by the firm revealed three-quarters of people leave themselves logged in to social media and email accounts on their mobiles, while around a quarter enabled similar features for mobile banking or PayPal.

Richard Parris, chief executive of Intercede, said: "Keeping your Facebook, Gmail, shopping and financial accounts automatically logged in might be convenient for consumers, but it’s leaving the back door wide open to hackers.

"Consumers are more wary about clicking ‘Remember me’ when it comes to online banking and financial apps, but cyber criminals don’t necessarily need access to your bank account or credit card details to commit identity theft."

Though half of those questioned used a PIN to access their phone, more than a quarter admitted knowing the login details to a mobile belonging to a friend, family member or colleague.

"[Passwords] are increasingly not fit for purpose," Parris added. "They do not offer proof of a person’s identity and are easily lost, stolen or hacked, leaving consumers at risk of identity theft.

Content from our partners
Scan and deliver
GenAI cybersecurity: "A super-human analyst, with a brain the size of a planet."
Cloud, AI, and cyber security – highlights from DTX Manchester

Websites in our network
Select and enter your corporate email address Tech Monitor's research, insight and analysis examines the frontiers of digital transformation to help tech leaders navigate the future. Our Changelog newsletter delivers our best work to your inbox every week.
  • CIO
  • CTO
  • CISO
  • CSO
  • CFO
  • CDO
  • CEO
  • Architect Founder
  • MD
  • Director
  • Manager
  • Other
Visit our privacy policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
THANK YOU