Mobile Phone Security, Disregarded by Many

【Unlocking Word Meanings】
　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. unmindful (adj.) [uhn-mahynd-fuhl] – not caring or giving enough attention to something

Example: He is unmindful of the bad effects of his absences at work. 

2. unauthorized (adj.) [aw-thuh-rahyzd] – not having an official permission

Example: Unauthorized people are not allowed to enter some parts of the hospital.

   

3. confidential (adj.) [kon-fi-den-shuhl] – something that is only for some people’s access or something not intended for everyone to see or find out

Example: Some legal documents are kept confidential. 

4. fraud (n.) [frawd] –doing something that is dishonest or intended to trick or cheat another person

Example: He was a victim of fraud because someone used his credit card to make a purchase online without his knowledge.

【Article】
　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

According to a recent survey, Americans are unmindful of setting security functions on their mobile phones.

Very few US consumers use phone-locking passwords and some even make use of the same passwords they use on their desktop computers.

Most of the respondents of the survey use their mobile phones to purchase, make payments or do mobile banking. Almost 84 % of consumers use the same phone for both personal and business transactions. This doubles the risk of losing personal data and unauthorized access to confidential information in case the phone gets lost or stolen.

It is likewise risky that 66% of the respondents said that they store personal information such as email address, photos, videos, personal dates, etc. on their mobile phones, while 23% said they save passwords on their phones.

Other risks for unprotected mobile use also includes the possibility of acquiring viruses and mobile payment frauds for those who shop and pay bills using their phone.

Despite all the risks, only 29% percent have considered downloading anti-virus applications and less than fifty percent of the respondents use keypad locks and passwords on their mobile phones.  

【Viewpoint Discussion】
　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         Why do you think most Americans leave their phones unprotected? 

·         It is easy to download or set security applications in your mobile phone?

Discussion B

·         What do you use your mobile phones for?

·         What are some advantages and disadvantages of mobile phones nowadays?