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1/21/2011 8:07 AM 

Recently, Trusteer (a Internet security company) accessed a list of Internet users who had accessed phishing websites—and the results were interesting. Evidently, normally savvy computer users become gullible boneheads when accessing the Internet on their phones.

On a side note, iPhone users are reportedly the most scatterbrained, and are eight times more likely to access a phishing website than Blackberry users. This just makes me chuckle. Those iPhonees think they're so smart…

But, all joking aside, why is this the case? Why is it so hard to practice safe surfing on a mobile device? Why do otherwise intelligent Internet users take actions on their phones that they would never take on a home desktop or laptop computer?

People would likely say that they are busy and distracted, but still feel the need to maintain a constant connection even when they are out and about. Let’s face it: it is pretty much impossible to always make wise choices while you are checking email on your phone, ordering a latte, fumbling for your wallet in your laptop bag, and running through your mental To Do list.

Then, there is actual security vs. perceived security. Most people are aware of the threats they face on their home computers and laptops, because information about security hacks is everywhere. They likely know at least one person who has experienced identity theft or a malware attack. But connecting on a phone may feel safer, because the threat has not been fully established.

In actuality, Internet users who connect through their mobile devices may be less secure, because security software has not advanced as quickly for mobile devices as for computers.

Remember my last blog about hackers attacking through new TVs? Scary stuff.

So, here’s the bottom line: 1) be vigilant. Don’t take any action on your phone that you wouldn’t take on your computer. If you are constant multi-tasker, this may require you to put down the cheeseburger and park the car. And 2), don’t be naïve. As long as technology advances, there will be those willing to exploit it—and you—for personal gain, and they will use every channel available.

You can read more about it here: http://tinyurl.com/4oguhwl

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