Half of mobile phones sold in the UK at risk of security issues

guest · Jul 1, 2021

Half of mobile phones sold in the UK at risk of security issues
Lengthy mobile phone contracts leave buyers at risk of their devices losing support for security updates
July 1, 2021
https://www.computerweekly.com/news...nes-sold-in-the-UK-at-risk-of-security-issues

Up to half of UK consumers buying new mobile devices, whether direct from their network provider, the device manufacturer, or through a third-party retailer, could be putting themselves at risk of security issues and cyber attacks, according to an investigation by Which?.

The consumer rights organisation said the short shelf life of mobile devices, coupled with the length of service contracts, meant that roughly 48% of devices currently on the market could become obsolete or reach end-of-life and lose security support before the airtime contract period ends, leaving their owners at risk of compromise.

“Mobile phones without the latest security support could leave consumers vulnerable to hackers, so it is important that manufacturers supply these defences for longer and that retailers are clearer with people about the risks posed by phones that will not receive vital updates for the duration of contracts,” said Which? computing editor Kate Bevan.
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The investigation found that due to the fact its contracts can last up to 36 months, O2 was guilty of knowingly selling the most devices at risk of losing security support, with 73% of new O2 phones potentially unsupported at the end of a three-year contract and 21% potentially unsupported within a year.

Additionally, 53% of devices sold at Carphone Warehouse, 50% at Mobiles.co.uk, 50% at Vodafone, 40% at Three, 38% at Mobile Phones Direct and 33% at EE were at risk.

In the meantime, consumers can use Which?’s free support calculator to find out whether or not their devices are still being supported or not.
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Half of mobile phones sold in the UK at risk of security issues

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