By Chris Lee

Mobile phone users are compromising their own security by not taking some basic steps, new research would indicate. Mobile devices are becoming key purchasing channels. Security expert Webroot, for instance, estimates that up to 50 per cent of smart phone or tablet PC users would purchase 2011 Christmas gifts via their device, a rise of 22 per cent on 2010.

In addition, Webroot’s research indicates that one third (33 per cent) of more than 1,200 respondents it interviewed have planned to use their mobile devices to book travel, also a 22 per cent rise in those who did so in 2010.

However, only 40 per cent of respondents have a security app installed to block threats or remotely lock and locate a lost device, and a surprising 53 per cent leave their devices unlocked – potentially exposing their personal information to prying eyes, Webroot warned.

Webroot’s Chad Bacher said: “People using mobile devices are exposed to a new set of online risks: cybercriminals seed mobile markets with malicious apps that can steal your personal data or send texts and SMS messages to premium numbers. And because of their size, smartphones and tablets are easier to lose or have stolen than laptops and notebooks, which puts the vast amounts of personal data stored on them at risk. Mobile security services are now a must - lost device protection, secure web browsing, and anti-malware provide essential protection.”

Cultural differences

Webroot found several differences between how demographics differ in their approach to mobile protection. For example, men are savvier than women at securing themselves on their mobile devices: 44 per cent of men versus 37 per cent of women have security services on their devices and more than half (51 per cent) of men lock their devices, compare with 43 per cent of women. Also, 57 per cent of men limit the sites they visit when connecting from an unfamiliar network versus 48 per cent of women.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, younger are more active on their devices during the holidays, but older users are more security-minded, according to Webroot, with people 50 and above being more likely to have security on their device. However, younger mobile shoppers (18 to 29) are more likely than all others to take advantage of mobile technology to compare prices and download coupons.

Android users are particularly security-conscious, Webroot found, and UK users are also more savvy about mobile security than their American cousins.

Top mobile security tips

Webroot security experts recommend three key steps for securing mobile devices:

• Know your apps: Download apps only from a trusted source, like the Google Market, Apple App Store or Amazon App Store. Closely scrutinise the permissions the app requests, and don't install it if it wants to access certain functions that it doesn’t need, such as the ability to send SMS messages. User reviews are also helpful
• Lock your device: Most smartphones and tablets give you a choice of locking the device with a password, numeric code or pattern. Take advantage of this – if nothing else, you’ll prevent practical jokesters from emailing your boss if you leave your device unattended
• Explore mobile security services: Mobile security apps provide lost device protection, secure web browsing, and anti-malware services.