Given the growing Internet security threats, it is becoming important to protect Internet-enabled mobile devices.

By 2015, India is expected to have 237 million mobile Internet users. There are already over 900 million mobile subscribers, according to a survey conducted by Norton. About 144.4 million units of smart phones were sold in the first quarter of 2012.

The survey shows that 48 per cent of Indians access the Internet through their phones. Only 38 per cent of connected Indians use a password to protect their phones.

Unwanted calls and text messages may lead to cybercrime. In India, the high probability of phones being stolen or lost makes people more susceptible to cybercrime.

“With greater connectivity to the Internet through mobile devices, cybercriminals are increasingly targeting this platform. With so much valuable and personal information residing on our mobile devices, mobile users need to have the right security measures in place — both a reliable mobile security solution and personal diligence to back up important information,” said Mr David Freer, Vice-President of Norton for the Asia-Pacific and Japan.

Users can protect their smart phones using mobile security software. Phone passwords also help protect the phone from casual snooping.

The online survey was conducted across five countries (500 people) in February 2012.