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Businesses Need Smartphone Users To Smarten Up! 40% Of Smartphone Users Dont Use Password Protection; Equifax Warns Businesses To Update Their Security Policies To Include Smartphones National Identity Fraud Prevention Week(M2 PressWIRE Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) London — According to the latest research by leading ID fraud expert, Equifax, 40% of smartphone users dont use the passcode function on their device, leaving them vulnerable to fraud. With more people using a variety of smartphone devices for work, which can hold a large amount of information, Equifax is urging businesses to make sure they update their security policies to include smartphones. This can protect against any sensitive files or emails being accessed, should the device be stolen or lost. Nearly three million people in the UK* have fallen victim to phone theft and smartphones provide access to more data than ever, especially if they are being used for work, says Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director, Equifax. I think that many businesses have wised up to the security risks of laptops and other personal data devices. But I am not sure if smartphones are being considered too. Businesses must remember that lost and stolen BlackBerrys, iPhones and other mobile comms devices can be mined for valuable information and data, particular that which has been sent or received by email. Failing to implement security processes to protect their network of smartphones, means organisations are sitting on a security time-bomb, which could threaten the reputation and future of the company itself. In addition, workers could be downloading unsecure mobile applications to their corporate smartphones, increasing the chances of security being compromised. The use of rogue applications has become a top security concern for many organisations, continues Neil Munroe. Businesses must ensure employees are aware of the risks of downloading applications to their work handsets by putting a clear policy in place. Users should only run applications from a trusted source before submitting information or allowing applications access to files held on other areas of their smartphone. However, our recent survey of consumer attitudes to personal data suggests that the new generation of smartphone users seem to be failing to use the basic security measures. This should be a major concern for employers and the security of their businesses. Equifaxs in-depth research** of consumer attitudes to personal data reveals that nearly 1 in 3 respondents who own a smartphone said they use it for online banking, rising to 2 out of 3 for 22-25 year olds. Yet worryingly 53% of smartphone users admitted they dont or are not sure if they clear their browser history and 24% dont always log out of their social network or online banking sites leaving an open door to fraudsters. Smartphones can store an enormous amount of personal and business data, but are easily stolen from a bag or a table in a bar, making them the perfect target for fraudsters. Why steal a laptop, when a smartphone can be slipped in a pocket, complete with emails, addresses, passwords and telephone numbers? Businesses are hot on securing their networks when it comes to office computers and laptops, but many forget to do the same with mobiles and smartphones. During National Identity Fraud Prevention Week, we are urging businesses to think about the amount of secure data held on staff smartphones. Now is not the time to reduce levels of mobile data protection in an organisation. In a tough economic climate, we’re likely to see a rise in ID fraud and data theft, making it essential that businesses protect themselves. A passcode on the phone is the first line of defence, but two thirds of users dont even have one set up. Office workers can follow our security tips and stop criminals in their tracks. EQUIFAXS SMARTPHONE SECURITY TIPS Always use the PIN function on your handset Dont store reminders of passwords on your phone Think about which accounts you access from your phone would it be better to wait until youre in the security of your home? Keep an eye out for malicious software masquerading as apps Keep your smartphone safe at all times Delete all personal information and browsing history before recycling or selling your phone * Source life assistance company CPP. April 2010 **Equifax ID Fraud Survey conducted during September 2010 total responses 1081 About Equifax ( www.equifax.com) Equifax empowers businesses and consumers with information they can trust. A global leader in information solutions, we leverage one of the largest sources of consumer and commercial data, along with advanced analytics and proprietary technology, to create customized insights that enrich both the performance of businesses and the lives of consumers. With a strong heritage of innovation and leadership, Equifax continuously delivers innovative solutions with the highest integrity and reliability. Businesses large and small rely on us for consumer and business credit intelligence, portfolio management, fraud detection, decisioning technology, marketing tools, and much more. We empower individual consumers to manage their personal credit information, protect their identity, and maximize their financial well-being. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Equifax Inc. operates in the U.S. and 14 other countries throughout North America, Latin America and Europe. Equifax is a member of Standard & Poors (S&P) 500 Index. Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol EFX. ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) (c) 2010 M2 COMMUNICATIONS |