The pitfalls of not securing mobiles and how you can protect yourself in 2019

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How many times a day do you scroll through your phone? And how many times a day do you think about the mobile security on that same phone? It’s easy to guess that those numbers will be very different, yet mobile security is of increasing importance, and we should all be protecting our constant companion and man’s new best friend – our smartphone.

What are the risks?
Research has shown that mobile web traffic now represents 52% of all Internet usage worldwide, but for some reason we would still prioritize protecting our laptops over our phones. And as many people use business phones for personal reasons, or their offices encourage bring your own device (BYOD) policies, online behaviors with smart phones can also have significant consequences at work. Eighty-two percent of cybersecurity professionals predict unsecured Internet of Things devices, including phones and tablets, will cause data breaches at the organization level, once again highlighting this widespread issue.

Insights from ESET
Earlier this year, ESET undertook research looking at the mobile security threat landscape in the UK, particularly for the everyday tasks we take for granted. One surprising finding centered around New Year’s resolutions, where we found that almost a third (31%) of the UK’s populace makes resolutions each year, yet people could also be putting themselves at risk, digitally speaking, in order to fulfill their goals. Many individuals reported behaviours that could be making themselves vulnerable, due to pressures felt from online sales offers to go for quick fixes that help them achieve their goals.

The research spoke to 2,000 Android users on their plans for 2019, with the top resolutions being to lose weight and get fit (64%), live a healthier lifestyle (50%) and save money (48%). Others were looking to travel more (24%), get a new job (21%) and find love (12%). However, nearly one in three (27%) felt pressure from sales offers to click on 'today only' deals and 'quick fix' offers to help them reach their goals. In an attempt to achieve success, many respondents revealed they would consider downloading a new app (29%), entering a competition online (28%) and clicking through to a deal they received via email (16%).

However, only four in 10 respondents (39%) were certain they had anti-virus software on their mobile phones, with 61% leaving themselves potentially vulnerable to scammers’ solutions. While these offers seem enticing, and it’s easy in the moment to click on what seems like a quick-fix answer, clicking through on unsafe links or entering your details online can make you vulnerable to hackers and leave your personal data at risk. It is therefore crucial to consider how you can best protect yourself and your devices.

Protecting yourself in the digital sphere
So how exactly should we be protecting ourselves? ESET’s experts recommend being on the alert for increased phishing email attacks in the form of ‘quick fix’ deals and being cautious of deals posted on social media, even if there seems to be lots of ‘likes’ on the posts. If you’re visiting a new brand’s website, do your homework and look at reviews and comments from trusted review sites. And, of course, the most important thing you can do is download antivirus software for all your devices, including smartphones and tablets.

One example is ESET Mobile Security, a powerful antivirus application that secures android mobile devices against cybersecurity threats. The free version includes antivirus protection with real-time scanning and a security report, as well as additional tablet support and a remote lock and siren.

Discover ESET Mobile Security Premium
Using antivirus protection, while paying attention to expert insight on how to look after yourself online, is an important way to ensure you stay safe in the digital world. However, by investing in further protection consumers can enjoy enhanced benefits.

For example, an upgrade to ESET Mobile Security Premium includes additional protection such as Connected Home Monitor, a forward-looking feature that helps address potential risks from the Internet of Things (IoT). It scans the designated network giving users warning about non-approved devices and potential security issues. The premium version also provides an app lock and proactive anti-theft technology – as well as protection against pesky email scams via ESET’s anti-phishing technology. You can find out more about ESET Mobile Security Premium on the ESET site and stay tuned on our blog site for more hints and tips.

With the vast benefits they offer us and the extent to which we use them in our everyday lives, it’s more important than ever to ensure solid mobile security. Staying up to date with the latest developments is also key to staying secure, so why not check out WeLiveSecurity.com, where visitors can learn more aboutmobile security from ESET’s experts.

So, stick to your New Year’s resolutions and make sure 2019 is different from last year – find love, get fit and travel more. And do it all while ensuring you and your mobile devices are safe online.