News Mobile Security
Survey: Consumers Plan Risky Business This Holiday Season
Many consumers will use mobile devices to shop -- without worrying much about privacy or app security
Consumers are planning to use their mobile devices to shop online this holiday season -- and they aren't too worried about security, according to a poll published this week.
In a survey conducted by Harris Interactive, 70% of those surveyed plan to shop online this holiday season. About a quarter (24%) of them plan to use their mobile devices -- and while aware of the risks, they are willing to give away their personal information if they can get something they value in return, the poll states.
Some 87% of smartphone or tablet owners surveyed are at least somewhat concerned that their personal information could be stolen while using an app on those devices. But nearly 90% are willing to provide some level of personal information in order to receive a valuable offer.
Almost a third (28%) of American smartphone and/or tablet owners admit they do not pay attention at all to application permissions, which may put their personal information at risk. Some 36% say they pay attention sometimes, but not always.
The poll was published by security vendor McAfee, which also published a list of 12 scams of Christmas, its predictions on the top holiday fraud schemes. Social media scams, malicious mobile apps, and travel scams topped the list.
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