The findings in McAfee's 2014 “Love, Relationships, & Technology” survey show that many people expose themselves to the risk of embarrassment, loss of privacy, and in the worst case - identity theft. The study reveals that the majority of adults share intimate details via unsecured digital devices.
For the second year in a row, the company examined how more than 1,500 consumers are sharing and storing intimate data on their mobile devices, especially with current or former significant others. The study highlights how sharing personal content, such as suggestive texts, naked photos, suggestive video, and passcodes on these devices, can potentially lead to cyber-stalking and being exposed by private content being leaked on-line.
“With all the stories we’ve heard about intimate photos being leaked, it’s hard to believe people are still sharing their passwords,” said Gary Davis, vice president of McAfee consumer business. “Ultimately, they’re increasing the risks of these photos becoming public and possibly jeopardizing their identity and reputation. Consumers must take precautions and use mobile security to ensure that what should be private, stays private.”
However, research shows that they're not. According to Javelin Strategy & Research, 62% of smartphone users do not use password protection for their home screens; thus allowing anyone who finds or takes their phones to have access to the contents.
Potential liability exists if hotel properties, and other organizations that maintain a “lost and found”, fail to take proper care of the lost and found devices under their control.
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