Identity Theft Low Concern Among Cellphone Owners

Like a game of hot potato, smartphone users are confused over who is responsible for the data on their phones.   In a recent survey of 1,000 adults conducted by Opinion Matters for security software firm GFI, one in three respondents believed that either their wireless carrier or their phone manufacturer was responsible for securing personal data.   Thirty-five percent of those surveyed said that their personal data is easily replaceable or does not pose a security risk to them. Identity theft ranked a distant fourth among concerns respondents would have if their phone was lost or stolen. First was the hassle and cost of buying a new phone, second came replacing contact lists and third was losing important photos.   The company has released an upgraded version of its Vipre mobile security app for Android phones, now available in the Google Play online store. Along with antivirus protection and automatic data backup, the premium version adds tracking of other family members' phone activity and emergency control in case a  phone is lost   or stolen.   The company said that its new software lets users logon to its website and launch security features such as viewing the device's most recent location, locking the device and wiping all personal data.   Aside from covering this common type of phone emergency, the app also allows for remote monitoring via the Vipre website, a feature that seemed to intrigue respondents. Parents (or any authorized user) can see incoming and outgoing phone numbers, sent and received text messages and  browsed websites.   Android users can try the premium features at no cost for 30 days. At the end of the trial period, users can purchase the premium version for a $1 monthly fee or buy a $10 annual subscription.

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