The smartphone users who worry the most about their online security are also the least motivated to take added precautions, according to one study.
The research by Symantec—the technology company that owns Norton security and anti-virus programs—focused on the information consumers agree to trade for free apps. Although many people are aware that these agreements are invasive, “[T]he findings suggest consumers are their own worst enemies when it comes to mobile privacy. Most consumers unknowingly – sometimes even willingly – put personal information at risk, compromising their own privacy.”
The majority of respondents were worried about getting a virus on their smartphone. But those who were worried were also more willing to hand over control of their data to free apps than those unconcerned about viruses.
And worried users generally didn’t have better awareness of their privacy than the unconcerned users: “Ironically, those that worry about getting a smartphone virus think they understand app permissions but in reality, these people are nearly as uninformed as those that do not worry.”
One in four users admitted they didn’t understand what they agreed to when downloading on app.
A recent global study by Canada’s Centre for International Governance Innovation found similar results regarding user motivation: although a majority of respondents were worried about online privacy, few took steps to secure their data.
Holding true to stereotypes, young people tended to be both cocky and mistaken about their privacy rights, Symantec found. While Millennial (18-34) and older (55+) respondents all had about the same level of ignorance about what permission they had granted free apps, young people were more likely to incorrectly think they understood their privacy agreements. Older respondents were more “self-aware” in their ignorance.
People also appear to have misplaced fears about their financial data. 70 percent are concerned about their financial information, but according to Symantec, financial apps are some of the most secure.
The full study is available here, along with a long infographic, an excerpt of which is published above.
