Study: Symantec's Mobile Security Holiday Habits Survey results are in

Smartphones are peaking in popularity and as they transcend the realm of corporate users and into the mainstream, these pocket computers have considerably improved their specs and capabilities. As more people rely on smartphones, the higher the likelihood of sensitive data passing through their devices. Symantec's recent  mobile security holiday habits survey (whew!). Hit jump for some of their findings.    

  62 percent of respondents said they expect to access sensitive data on their smartphone while away from the office during the holiday season; highlighting the need for mobile device users to be aware of their surroundings and would-be criminals lurking over their shoulder.

·         Only 18 percent said they pay attention to license agreements when downloading apps. Since these licenses often indicate what kind of data and services – such as a phone’s GPS – the app will access. Users would be wise to pay closer attention to these.

·         68 percent said they will be using their Smartphone for surfing the Web while out of the office for the holidays. Despite this, only 20 percent said they will be using their mobile devices for online shopping.

·         One in four (29 percent) said they are very likely to open an unsolicited text message, while only 14 percent said they are very likely to open an unsolicited email message. Since texts can lead to malware and phishing threats just the same as emails, users should be more wary of texts from unknown senders.

·         68 percent ranked loss or theft as their number one mobile device security concern, but 56 percent said mobile malware is their number two concern.