A survey commissioned by Slovakia-based security company ESET has found that a high number of smartphone users are at risk of losing data because of a virus attack.
The study found that though nine out of ten consumers use their phone to browse the Internet, 81% of those do not have any antivirus software installed on their smartphone.
The YouGov research revealed that 31% of consumers do not even know their smartphone is at risk of viruses, while 14% assume security was built into the phone when they bought it.
Over a third of those surveyed (36%) were aware their smartphone is under threat, but have not yet installed software to protect it. Only a small number (6%) have installed anti-virus software.
The survey, commissioned by ESET UK, looked at the attitudes of 2,000 consumers towards viruses on their smartphones. Other findings revealed that 58% of respondents regularly open email attachments on their phone, and 21% said they use their phone for Internet banking.
ESET UK VP of marketing Quinton Watts said smartphones will continue to attract the attention of the maliciously-minded.
Watts said, "We have seen an increase in the number of attacks against smartphones over the past six months this is mainly because so many devices are now being connected up to corporate networks and they are an easy entry point for hackers."
"What’s most worrying about these figures is that if consumers are this relaxed about security on their own phone it is likely they will be even more so with company issued devices.
"Many people will have had their computer infected by viruses or other malware and have security software installed to protect them from future harm, but few recognise their smartphones are similarly at risk if they regularly browse the internet, open email attachments or leave their Bluetooth connection open.
"A good smartphone security solution will be able to scan the device to ensure that no hackers have infiltrated it and installed any unwanted malware, provide comprehensive protection from cyber-criminals and ensure all personal data is kept securely."
