According to a research conducted by BroadbandGenie.co.uk, users are most concerned that these powers are open to abuse (53%), whilst 24% think they are a breach of human rights and 23% say the extent of their powers is not justifiable. 59% say they do not believe their smartphone is secure from hackers and thieves.
When asked why, users say they do not fully trust the available security methods (57%) and do not have confidence in their ability to use security features and software (36%). 64% of smartphone users believe mobile payment/digital wallet systems are not secure. Top of the list of concerns is the fear the powers will be abused (53%), whilst users also believe they breach their human rights (23%) and the extent of the powers is not justifiable (23%).
For the users who have no concerns with these powers (45%), their reasons are they have nothing to hide (65%), the powers are needed to protect the country (18%), and they feel it will be used appropriately (14%).
When it comes to personal smartphone security, 59% of users say they do not feel safe from hackers and thieves, citing a lack of trust in the available security methods (57%). Of concern is the fact that some 36% said they do not feel confident in their ability to use security features and software.
The most popular security methods are the lock screen PIN (52%), anti-virus software (24%), lock screen password (16%) and lock screen pattern (15%). 20% of users said they are unsure if they have security systems on their phone, or have no security tools activated.
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