Adults are not practicing safe sexting: study
A new study by security software maker, McAfee notes that almost 50% of adults are exchanging intimate digital content with their partners – but few are taking the necessary precautions while doing so.
The study, called 2014 Love, Relationships and Technology, examined over 1,500 consumers and how they share and store intimate data on mobile devices, with current or former ‘significant others’.
According to McAfee, almost half of all smartphone users surveyed had sent or recieved “intimate” photos or text messages using unsecured digital devices, increasing the risk of having private lives blowing up online.
The study highlighed how sharing personal content such as suggestive texts, naked photos, suggestive video and passcodes on devices could potentially lead to cyber-stalking and the exposure of private content leaking online.
McAfee found that, while 69% of smartphone users were securing their devices with a password or passcode, more than 64% of adults were sharing these details with other people.
In addition to sharing passwords, 50% of the individuals examined share mobile phone content and 48% share email accounts.
“With all the stories we’ve heard about intimate photos being leaked, it’s hard to believe people are still sharing their passwords,” said Gary Davis, vice president of McAfee consumer business.
“Ultimately, they’re increasing the risks of these photos becoming public and possibly jeopardizing their identity and reputation.
Let’s talk about sext, baby
McAfee found that men are more likely to use their mobile device to send and receive “intimate” content – 61% men versus 48% of women).
45% of adults said that they stored intimate content that they have received, in comparison to 40% who store risqué photos, videos or messages they have sent.
Of those who have sent intimate or racy content, 77% have sent this content to their significant other, while 10% of individuals in the study noted that they had sent similar content to a total stranger.
96% of the adults surveyed said they trust their significant other with intimate content or otherwise private information they have sent, and only 32% have asked their partner to delete the information when ending the relationship.
25% of respondents indicated that they have taken their partner’s mobile device to see other content stored on it, including messages and photos.
According to McAfee Security Expert, Robert Siciliano, people who choose to engage in the sharing of such content should take precautions “before something adverse happens that will expose you in ways you never wanted”:
Be careful what you share
Don’t share your passwords with anyone, including significant others and family members. If you absolutely need to share it, create a unique code just for that account, and change it immediately if you suspect foul play.
Put a PIN on it
Always use a PIN or passcode on your smartphone and other mobile devices. If your phone is lost or stolen, anyone who picks up your device could get access to all your information and publish it online.
The delete button is your friend
If you do send personal or intimate messages, take the time to delete the content from your mobile device and personal accounts as soon as possible. It doesn’t take that much time and it could save you years of damage control for your reputation.
Once you share, it’s no longer yours
Remember before you hit send, post, tweet, etc. that once you share private information it’s now out of your control and you’re reliant on others to protect your privacy–for better or for worse.
More on mobile behaviour
Sexting and cyber-bullying in South Africa
What are your kids doing online?
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