Scots embrace benefits of mobile apps but are ‘startlingly’ complacent about mobile security - RBS

The inaugural Mobile Microleisure report, the most detailed and in-depth look yet at the country’s mobile app behaviours, has detailed exactly the extent to which Scots are heavily adopting mobile technology, with 87 per ent owning a mobile phone and mobiles being the second most-used device to browse the internet after computers.

Key findings:

Released today, the RBS Mobile Microleisure Report, conducted by polling firm YouGov, looks at how Scots have embraced app technology in their day-to-day lives and how they use their mobiles on the go in an ‘always-on’ world.

And as the bank encourages people to take measures to keep themselves safe and secure online, the report highlights some startling findings about people’s attitudes to security while using apps.

While the online survey reveals that 90 per cent of the Scottish population believe mobile app security is important, one in four (27 per cent) who own a smartphone don’t use a passcode.

Just under three quarters (73 per cent) of those who have ever used a mobile banking app use it at least once a day. In addition, a further 50 per cent expect fingerprint recognition i.e. Touch ID to be available when using a mobile banking app.

But those polled demonstrated a worrying lack of understanding of the measures that would lower the likelihood of them becoming the victim of scams or mobile fraud.

Nearly one in three (29 per cent) who have shared their log in details to one of their online accounts with someone admitted that they would share their online banking password– identical to the number who would share their TV catch up log in details with another person (29 per cent).

And Scots appear to prioritise the security of their love life over everything – with just one in 100 saying they have shared their dating app log in details with someone else before.

Unsurprisingly, the report found that out of all Scots who use apps, it is the youngest Scots who are the most prolific app users, with 18 to 24 year olds spending an average of 46 full days each year using them.

Young people also feel the benefit of having a mobile banking app, with 72 per cent of 18 to 24 year olds saying that their mobile banking app made them feel more in control of their personal finances, however they showed a profound lack of knowledge of how to stay safe and secure when accessing apps, with just under one in six (13 per cent) 18 to 24 year olds sharing their login details for one of their online accounts with a friend.

The research also revealed that while social media apps such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram top the poll for app use, 15 per cent of Scots who use mobile apps say that they could not live without their mobile banking app compared to 10% who could not live without Facebook. This highlights the growing role of apps in today’s world, and with the lines between work and play blurring, apps can streamline life-admin and help people stay efficient.

The survey was commissioned to highlight the rise in digital habits amongst Scots as Royal Bank prepares to roll out increased digital capabilities across its own customer app, including the introduction of Face ID at the end of 2017.

Industry experts have come out to back the Mobile Microleisure Report with Professor of Cyber Security, Karen Renaud, said: “This report confirms what researchers in the human-centred security area have been saying for years.

“When there is tension between convenience and security, convenience always wins. It is unsurprising that people do not want to type in a pass code multiple times a day.

“Apple’s use of fingerprint and face biometrics are a positive move in making secure access to phones more convenient and I would expect to see an increased uptake of security behaviours as these become more ubiquitous and pass codes are phased out.

“It is also unsurprising that young people share their personal banking details. Feeling connected to other people is a very deep need that we all seek to satisfy. What better way to achieve this than demonstrating trust by sharing a password?

“The security professional considers this foolhardy, but human nature is a far more powerful force than fear-based warnings and so you’re not going to forbid this tendency into non-existence.

“One thing to be borne in mind is that cyber security is a relatively recent phenomenon. The “wetware” between our ears is as old as humanity itself. It is going to take time for us to catch up with the security-related demands of the brave new mobile world we currently inhabit.”

The data was also analysed by digital marketing expert Mike McGrail from Velocity Digital.

He added: “This data highlights an interesting contrast between the very high levels of understanding of mobile technology and apps among young people and their lack of awareness of the dangers of the oversharing that has become a key part of many of their lives.

“They may be rolling their eyes at older people not understanding a ‘Snapchat Streak’, but they’d do well to take on-board the more cautious approach that ‘older’ types often adopt. This comes from not necessarily having grown-up with apps and mobile tech as part of their lives, so the older among us are naturally warier.

“This report is a welcome step in creating a stronger understanding of how the population in Scotland uses apps as part of daily life and how complacent they can be when it comes to security. The usage trend is only going to increase in the coming years as technology advances at a relentless pace.”

Julie McArdle, Customer Security Manager with Royal Bank Security, said: “This is the first Royal Bank of Scotland Mobile Microleisure Report and the results have thrown up some startling insights into our mobile app use - especially how we prioritise what we keep secret.

“The report highlights a worrying lack of security awareness among all age groups, including younger audiences who tend to be the most comfortable using online apps and online payment methods.

“The Royal Bank of Scotland is here to help everyone get savvy about security by providing expert guidance on financial protection, identifying risks and finding solutions so that all generations understand the risk and are better prepared.”