Internet crime increases as users drop their guard while on the phone
Security breaches on the rise, as many people forget that 'a mobile phone is a computer now'
The leaking of private information via the internet is increasing rapidly as more users log on using their mobile phones, according to industry experts.
There were 16 smartphone-related cases in the first quarter, compared with six in the same period last year.
Research by US security software maker Symantec found ordinary consumers' personal details - such as credit card numbers, medical records and bank account details - were more vulnerable than before because users were less careful when accessing the internet from mobile phones.
"Many people don't have a strong sense that a mobile phone is in fact a computer now, and they don't place enough importance on the protection of personal information when using mobile devices," said Lawrence Li, system engineering manager of Symantec Hong Kong.
Symantec found that only 56 per cent of mobile and social-platform users would delete suspicious e-mails from people they don't know, while 90 per cent of users would do that on their computers.