87% of mobile device users between the ages of 18-30 reuse passwords across multiple websites and applications according to a new survey.

This bad habit could result in millions of accounts being compromised since hackers typically test a stolen password against multiple accounts, including banking, retail, social media, email and healthcare websites. One stolen password could give a hacker the keys to a person’s digital life.

Users are not without awareness of the issue: the survey also showed that nearly half (46%) of respondents think their phone is the least secure device that they own. Despite this, 41% use their phone for sensitive, password-protected applications (banking/healthcare).

“People have a tremendous amount of personal and confidential information on their smartphones.

It was disturbing to find that almost half of respondents in our survey think their phone is the least secure device that they own, yet 55% of them haven’t downloaded a security application. It is clear that further education regarding the importance of mobile cybersecurity is necessary in order to protect their digital lives.”

Darren Guccione, CEO and co-founder of Keeper Security

About half (46%) of people aged 45 and over do not password-protect their phones with a secure lock screen, compared to 26% of those aged 44 and under.

Also, the vast majority are not worried about social media security, yet 75% of users connect to their social media profiles on other websites and applications (e.g. login with Facebook).

Having a product such as a password manager is one recommended option to eliminate password re-use. Typically, these systems will create and remember strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts. All you need to remember is the master password to access the manager. More information on password managers can be found on the Get Safe Online website. 

For more information about our work, please visit www.safeinwarwickshire.com/cybercrime

Cyber Aware is a cross-government campaign, funded by the National Cyber Security Programme. They aim to measurably and significantly improve the online safety behaviour and confidence of consumers and small businesses (SMEs).

Get Safe Online is the UK’s leading source of factual and easy-to-understand information on online safety. Their website offers advice on how you can protect yourself, your computers and devices, and your business against the likes of fraud, identity theft, viruses and other potential online problems.