Younger Generation Z and Millennial consumers are the most lax when it comes to password and smartphone security, with some using the same password for up to 20 accounts.

An online survey of 2,000 UK smartphone users aged 18 to 55 and over by OnePoll and cyber security company Clario, found that just 15 per cent of Brits have admitted to reading terms and conditions when signing up to a new app, leaving them vulnerable to being hacked if the correct security precautions are not taken.

This is even more pertinent in the COVID-19 context, as screen time has surged in recent weeks as the UK continues to adopt virtual meeting apps such as Zoom and sign up to new services, which involve the creation of new accounts and logins.

However, despite growing awareness of the risk of fraud and phishing scams, one in twenty people said they believed their smartphone was completely safe, and half use risky features such as password autofill.

Over half of respondents admitted to using the same password for multiple devices, apps and online accounts, meaning cyber criminals would need just one password to gain access to volumes of online accounts and valuable personal data.

Alun Baker, chief executive at Clario, said: “Smartphones are an integral part of our lives and they contain a huge amount of personally valuable data ranging from personal finance, family photos to private health information.

“Over half of Brits experienced a data breach last year and if a well-used password gets into the wrong hands, numerous accounts and information will be at risk; using multi-factor authentication is a good way of giving yourself extra protection and limiting potential hacks.”

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