While dating apps and services are growing in popularity in India, they are also posing higher security risks, with such platforms becoming hunting grounds for cyber criminals. According to a study by Norton, 59 % online daters in India are facing security issues.
The survey was conducted among 1,005 smartphone and tablet users aged 16 years and above, who were using dating apps or services. According to the study, close to 64% of women and 57% of men experienced some form of security issue.
“While there are many legitimate daters on these apps, considering the anonymity, online daters can run the risk of becoming a victim of stalking, harassment, catfishing, identity theft, and even phishing scams,” said Ritesh Chopra, Country Manager, India, Norton by Symantec.
Security issues experienced by users are as follows: virus/malware 23%, annoying ads 13%, cyberstalking 9%, revenge porn 4%, identity theft 6%, being tricked into using premium services 9%.
“Online dating apps were most likely to have been used at least once by people in Delhi (51 percent), followed by Chennai (39 percent), Kolkata (36 percent), Mumbai (35 percent) and Ahmedabad (35 percent),” the results showed. Ironically, while consumers in Chennai (20 percent) and Hyderabad (21 percent) find online dating low risk, they have reported experiencing most security problems — 68 percent and 69 percent respectively. “The solution is not to panic, nor is it to stop using the apps. Online dating on mobile devices isn’t going away but there are some simple, best practices Indians can adopt to keep themselves, their devices and mobile apps secure,” Chopra added.
