Shocking poll: many users careless about Android security
We’ve been talking a lot about security recently, whether antivirus software is necessary for Android, and what app permissions really mean. But security risks don’t just happen within the software, when you are seen walking around with an expensive smartphone you can become a potential target for theft. With this in mind, we asked users how they secure their Android device, and here is what we learned...
Of course, "fingerprint scanner", "face unlock" and "knock code" were at the bottom. Knock code has been popularised by the recent release of the LG G3, but it’s yet to become widely adopted, and fingerprint scanners seen on the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S5 and iPhone 5s are perhaps viewed as too gimmicky. Some users say they change their unlock code/method often, which probably makes sense more for online passwords than smartphone unlocks, but I still think it’s good practice.
Here is the full results table:
The highest scoring answer on our Amazon app) provide you with the option of saving your payment details to make transactions quicker. People could order anything they wanted from online stores providing you have the money in your account to pay for it, and by time you cancel your cards it may be too late.
It’s sometimes easy to forget, when we are surrounded by so many of them, how important each and every smartphone is. If you aren’t smart enough to keep it out of reach of potential thieves (though I hope you are!), at least be smart enough to put a security lock on it.
- Scared of losing your Android phone? Here's how to use Android Device Manager as an anti-theft tool
What do you think of these results? Do you think security locks are necessary?
One problem is that if you would have apps accessible from the Lockscreen, Dash clock or Samsung's small app window for example, you can not use a pin or pattern unlock code.
Ahh interesting I didn't know that!
I live in a small town so I'm very unlikely to get robbed :D
classic
you wouldnt use a Windows PC without security so why should an Android device be any different ?
not being funny but most people are mugs then. i suspect that its more of a case of peoples ignorance about something that they dont fully understand or laziness (or both)
I think it's both of those things. I know my parent's are probably pretty naive when it comes to phone security. Probably just haven't considered it :/
aye. i think when more viruses become widespread for example like what happened with Windows we'l see a change in peoples views, sadly it takes things like that to happen for the general population to take note
I just explained this to my mother-in-law yesterday, as she just bought her first smartphone. Security is, in most cases, necessary. However, I explained to her that in her case possibly not so (...dringend :-\ ) super-important. She doesn't whip out her phone in restaurants, where she might be inclined to leave it on the table when she goes to the bathroom. She doesn't ride public transportation. She doesn't walk down dark alleys...She lives in the country, and will be at home 99% of the time she uses it. But I did caution her, about PayPal, email, bank account info, and Amazon...
I think this boils down to laziness. people are given the option of 'swipe to unlock' and think that they are invulnerable to mistake...besides that, they save a potential 3 seconds by bypassing a security pin.
Personally, I use a pin. But to be honest, the only time I even consider changing it is when I tell my wife my unlock code...But she always forgets it immediately anyway and I've got nothing to hide from her.
my 2¢
and the award for longest comment that nobody will read goes to...
Me!
I read your extremely long comment... Lol
You've hit the nail on the head - laziness! I sometimes find it annoying to have to enter a code every time I want to unlock my phone, and sometimes the screen isn't responsive and it takes a few attempts. So I understand why people don't use them.
But as you say, giving somebody easy access to things like PayPal and emails just isn't worth it!
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Admin
Jul 29, 2014 Link to commentOuch that hurts its looks like people doesnt care about their smartdevices any wayd i don't fall under the 38% category i am having a pin lock set over my device ! :) but yeah that is shocking i mean what if they lost their device and i found it put my sim card and easily use it, access the perasonal folders of the owner ..... good for me but horrifying for the device owner just because no security is set up ! :(
I'd be most worried if they deleted what was in my Dropbox folder!!