Since their introduction in the early 1990s, mobile phones have become one of the most popular means of accessing the World Wide Web. Some experts are predicting that in the near future they may become just as powerful or even surpass PCs and laptops.
One thing that unfortunately few mobile users realize is just how vulnerable their devices can be to criminals who may use the phone to evade prosecution or commit serious crime. Mobile crime is on the rise and there is evidence to prove this. Mobile privacy is essential to prevent criminals from using your know without knowledge, so we’ve devised a list of the top 3 reasons that we believe you’ll need a privacy app.
1. Privacy on the Internet is more valuable than gold
We are by nature a private species; that is the basis of such sayings as “A man’s home is his castle.” You as a homeowner know quite well that you would not dare to allow just anyone to come into your house.
In this day and age people store a large portion of their personal information in documents on digital devices such as computers. A mobile phone, which is essentially a computer that has been scaled down to be used as a handheld device, can also be used as mobile storage. It is important to remember if a criminal gained access to your phone, they could discover your personal information and perhaps use it against you. It is therefore imperative for you to protect yourself with the same scrutiny that you would your wallet.
2. Mobile dialing can be expensive
A criminal who gained access to your personal information could cause a lot of damage. Armed with your password, they might make numerous calls from your cell phone and rack up huge phone bills. Finding out who is responsible for this kind of theft can involve a lot of work involving the police, and you may never recover the money sent on bills. If you’re a victim on a crime it can make you feel exhausted and increase your anxiety.
3. You never know what a thief can do with your personal information
There is no telling what can be done with the personal information that you have stored on your cell phone. Somebody could, for instance, use your bank password to make withdrawals from your account, or email messages in your name.
If somebody else gains access to your Social Security number and uses it in their bank or employment records, then the IRS can come after you for any taxes that are due on earnings. Even worse, you can be arrested for crimes that somebody else has committed in your name.
Some additional points
Consumers have a very personal connection to their mobile devices in a way that they do not with their PCs or laptops. Considering that a mobile phone can be carried with you wherever you go, this should come as no surprise. People also use these phones many times per day and they are getting smarter and smarter by the day.
According to a survey conducted by the mobile privacy company TrustE, only 36% of all consumers feel that they have a choice regarding the collection and use of their location information. This fact may explain why 40% purposefully avoid sharing location data with mobile applications.
Sarah Hendricks who is a security expert on protecting users and businesses from hackers and data leakage with mobile privacy apps at NQ.com. NQ Mobile provides all kinds of mobile security for users in the office, at home, or working remotely who may be subject to attack.
