McAfee Research - Serious Consumer Concerns

McAfee has released findings from new research that reveals that almost three out of four mobile consumers (72%) are concerned about the security of todays and tomorrow's mobile services, such as mobile multimedia downloads, m-payments and m-ticketing.

The McAfee Mobile Security Report 2008 discusses in detail users' experiences of traditional and emerging mobile services and their awareness and perceptions of mobile security issues.

Other key findings revealed show that:
• 86% of users are worried about security risks posed to their mobile handset such as fraudulent bill increases or information loss or theft.
• Over a third (34%) of global mobile users question the general safety of mobile devices and services.
• At least 79% of consumers are knowingly using unprotected devices, with an additional 15% unsure of security levels.
• More than half of subscribers (59%) expect mobile operators to take primary responsibility for protecting mobile devices and services.

Advanced Services Concerns

While confidence levels for traditional voice and messaging services remain comparatively high, more than half of all respondents (55%) expressed concerns about m-payments and banking services. Likewise, over 40% were worried about mobile multimedia downloads and mobile vouchers and ticketing. Frequent mobile internet surfers showed levels of concern 80% higher than those who have never used such services. Overall, more than 72% of users expressed concerns regarding the safety of using emerging mobile services, with concern rates rising with market maturity.