Users of smartphones and PDAs are more concerned about losing
their mobile device or having it stolen, than they are about the
risks posed by viruses, hackers, and other IT security
problems.
Online reseller WStore surveyed about 15,000 customers and found
that only 15% of respondents were concerned about viruses and
hacking, despite widespread publicity in the media about the
threats.
Of greater concern was that their handheld might attract
unwanted attention, with 32% saying they worry about it becoming a
target for muggers or thieves.
Among those respondents who do not currently use a mobile
computing device, there were several main reasons cited for not
having one. These ranged from "handsets are too expensive" (30%),
fears of work invading personal lives (35%), and a reluctance on
the part of employers to provide devices for their workforce
(37%).
Even so, 62% recognised that they are now better equipped to do
their job more efficiently thanks to their handheld. The motivation
to acquire a handheld was, for 59% of respondents, the need to stay
in touch with work during regular periods of remote working.
Although 52% of respondents said they use their handheld only
for business purposes, 40% said it was used for a mix of business
and personal purposes.