Smartphone users not protected against fraudsters

Some 67 per cent of smartphone users not safeguarding their handset data

As far as fraudsters are concerned, it’s what is actually on your phone that counts more than the handset itself

More than two thirds of smartphone users are failing to protect their personal information from fraudsters, warned government-backed agency GetSafeOnline.org.

A substantial one in four UK web users access the net using a mobile web browser, and of these, 20 per cent synchronise their handsets with a PC.

However, 67 per cent of people using the internet from their smartphones do not use passwords or the PIN function to safeguard information stored on their handsets, according to the agency.

“Users must remember that they are essentially carrying around a tiny laptop with a wealth of personal information that is very attractive to fraudsters,” explained Tony Neate, managing director of GetSafeOnline.org.

“The frequency with which many of us upgrade or replace our phones means that we often don’t value or look after them in the same way as we would a laptop," he added.

According to GetSafeOnline.org, criminals can easily discover where you bank and shop with a quick look at your Favourites or browsing history.

Many web sites also use cookies to remember personal information such as login details – meaning that a fraudster can access and use your online accounts without needing to know your password.

The agency also warned that users who synchronise smartphones with their PCs but don't protect their phones are allowing fraudsters to access all the information stored on the PC as well.

It advises that the first line of defence against fraudsters is to use the password or PIN function to secure the handset. It also advised users to think carefully about sharing information online, and to stick with reputable sites and applications.