Indian smartphone app users compromise security by allowing access to personal info

About one in two Indians is severely exposed to privacy risks, as they allow most app developers to access their contact directories and other data stored on their smartphones in exchange for free applications, according to a study conducted by security software developer Norton.

More disturbing is the revelation that only about one in three consumers are aware that apps are likely to collect data about them, while one in five said they would download any app that “looked cool,” regardless of its origin or reputation. Close to 50 percent of Indians with smartphones and tablets have over 20 apps installed on them, according to the survey.

The most popular ones are of course social media apps with 86 percent download rate, followed by messaging apps at 78 percent, and e-commerce apps at 76 percent. Mobile banking apps garnered 67 percent share and mobile wallets at about 62 percent.

“A shocking 36 percent would either always grant permissions or simply don’t know enough about the kind of permissions they may have granted,” the study pointed out, adding that only eight per cent reject requests bearing in mind the risks involved. About 50 percent of the users also grant permission to send promotional texts/emails, while close to 40 per cent have granted permission to access their camera, bookmarks and browser history.

The survey covered 1,005 Indian smartphone and tablet users aged 16 and above. “In today’s connected world, mobile devices are more than mini computers in our pockets – they are digital warehouses storing our most personal moments and information, such as photos and videos, conversations with friends and family, health and fitness information, financial data and more,” Ritesh Chopra, Country Manager, India, Norton by Symantec said.

Yet, most consumers unknowingly give access to personal information on their phone and compromise their privacy. The Norton Mobile Survey says that Indians suffer about 34 percent of virus/malware attacks, while threats involving fraudulent access or misuse of credit card or bank account details stands at 21 percent.