New research has found that as many as one in five people have accessed a friend’s smartphone, without that person’s knowledge, Vice reported.
“Lunchtime attacks” can be avoided by using strong passwords, and keeping close tabs on your device. Still, 31 per cent of participants in an online survey looked through someone’s device at least once in the past year.
Konstantin Beznosov, a UBC professor of electrical and computer engineering, co-authored the study.
“[It’s] somebody who is from your social circle: like your friends, your relatives or maybe roommates and coworkers,” said Beznosov. “They have more chances to have access to your phone, physically. For example, when you leave your phone to go to the washroom or when you leave it on your desk. They are in a much better position than strangers to actually access your phone without your permission.”
