New Study Reveals 25% of People Store Intimate Images on Their Mobile Device

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AVG Technologies

25 Feb, 2013, 16:25 GMT

AMSTERDAM and SAN FRANCISCO, February 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

AVG Technologies' survey shows consumers are playing fast and loose with their personal privacy, yet are failing to embrace practical features due to security concerns

As companies across the globe line up to announce their latest innovations at this week's Mobile World Congress, a study released today by AVG Technologies N.V. (NYSE: AVG), the provider of Internet and mobile security to 146 million active users, has revealed that one in four average mobile users store intimate photos or videos on a smartphone or tablet. Furthermore - and despite the obvious risks to personal privacy if a device is lost or compromised - 70 per cent of consumers are unaware of security features that allow such data to be deleted remotely.

Clearly, consumers are embracing the photographic and video capabilities of their devices, however, the global mobile survey also revealed a marked conservatism among consumers when it comes to more practical, everyday features. For example, among the 5,000 smartphone users questioned in the UK, US, France, Germany and Brazil, fewer than 40 per cent use their device for either online shopping (35 per cent) or online banking (38 per cent).  

The primary reason given by those holding back from using their device to shop online was a perceived lack of security - nearly 50 per cent of smartphone users feel that using a mobile device isn't as safe or secure as using a computer. Similarly, only 36 per cent would consider checking their bank balance from a smartphone, compared to 78 per cent when using a PC.

"This survey has clearly demonstrated that there is confusion in the minds of consumers about what is and isn't safe or sensible to do with a mobile device," said JR Smith, CEO of AVG Technologies. "It is already limiting the appeal of mobile shopping, banking and ticketing, and this is in turn hampering the industry's efforts to drive new innovations and monetization methods. At the same time, millions of consumers are exposing themselves to risk of personal and professional embarrassment by storing sensitive images on their devices.

"It is time for the industry to wake up and start educating consumers about privacy and security," Smith continued. "If it does not, mainstream consumers will remain sceptical about mobile commerce, potentially wasting billions of dollars of investment into new features, and the manufacturers, networks and developers will face the wrath of wronged consumers when their digital privacy is compromised."

Further Methodology:

An online survey of 5,107 smartphone users was undertaken across the UK, US, France, Germany and Brazil. Fieldwork took place in January 2013 and was managed by Qualtrics.   

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About AVG Technologies (NYSE: AVG)

AVG's mission is to simplify, optimize and secure the Internet experience, providing peace of mind to a connected world. AVG's powerful yet easy-to-use software and online services put users in control of their Internet experience. By choosing AVG's software and services, users become part of a trusted global community that benefits from inherent network effects, mutual protection and support. AVG has grown its user base to 146 million active users as of December 31, 2012 and offers a product portfolio that targets the consumer and small business markets and includes Internet security, PC performance optimization, online backup, mobile security, identity protection and family safety software.

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