Many operators do provide guidelines about security, but it is clear that consumers can still feel uncertain, said Ciaran Bradley, VP of Handset Security. This research highlights opportunities for operators to both increase revenue and lower churn, achieving the twin and often irreconcilable goals for MNOs and MVNOs.
According to the survey, 59% of consumers currently feel out of control of their phone security, indicating that there is still significant caution around matters such as downloading free applications. In fact, 1 in 6 consumers admit to simply refusing to download an app if they believe that their privacy would be compromised.
Consumers today are smart but need reassurance from their operators, concluded Bradley. If users browsing apps from the App Store, or Android Marketplace do not feel that their security is in safe hands, they will either refuse to download applications, or vote with their feet and find another operator. However, users who feel safe in their choice of operator will not only stay with that provider, but may also pay extra for security services, which is a highly desirable outcome for all concerned.