One in Six Android Users Don’t Know About Android Security Patches

With the proliferation of mobile devices, security has never been more paramount – and no other company is more chiefly aware of that than BlackBerry.

Security is in BlackBerry’s DNA. The company is developing innovative device hardware, software and design that emphasizes security and other advantages favoured by enterprises and consumers.

As the company aims to reach one of its strategic goals to make its device business profitable, it recently conducted a study of more than 8,000 Android users to weigh their thoughts on security and privacy.

Of note, the study showed that Android users are security-minded, but nearly one in six Android users didn’t know about security updates, making themselves vulnerable against mobile threats.

BlackBerry state:

“We set out to uncover the mobile security and privacy implications Android smartphone users take into consideration to protect their valuable information and data. We surveyed* over 8,000 Android smartphone users and found that they are security-minded, but only 12 percent believe that their handset manufacturer is responsible for protecting the security of their mobile device.”

When it comes to the top privacy concerns of Android users, 50 percent reported mining of data and malware was what they worried about most while fifteen percent of Android users – almost one in six – did not know about Android security updates, which can leave your device vulnerable to malware attacks and more.

BlackBerry’s Consumer Survey showed:

More than half (51 percent) state third parties using their personal data is a security headache, followed by one-third (34 percent) who said their phone was stolen or lost. Email hacking (7 percent), texts being read (4 percent) and someone listening to phone calls (4 percent) are lower on the list of users’ concerns.

• More than half (53 percent) rank both security and privacy as most important.
• 50 percent believe their smartphone is only somewhat secure.
• The majority of Android users are using a PIN (45 percent) or password (41 percent) to protect their device.
• Only 1 in 6 users are aware of Android security updates.

BlackBerry Android Security Survey

The Survey was administered by using Google Consumer Surveys. Responses were collected from April 8 to 13, 2016.