A new survey reveals that although a large proportion of consumers using smartphones running on Google’s Android mobile operating system are aware of prevalent security threats to the platform, and they grasp the importance of mobile security, they are not taking the much-needed steps to secure their smartphones; nor are they prepared to pay for mobile security applications.

These findings stem from 360 Mobile Security Limited’s, a Chinese developer of mobile antivirus and performance applications, “Android Security Survey 2015.” The company surveyed more than 100 Android users and found that 27 percent are concerned over untrustworthy apps, 20 percent worry about the security of online payments, and 13 percent fear being the victim of a mobile hacking attack.

Android users also worry about single sign-on, unsafe Wi-Fi connections and having their personal data leaked, found the survey. Two-thirds of respondents said that they are aware of weaknesses on the Android platform and more than 90 percent noted that mobile security is “very important.”

In spite of this overwhelming awareness of mobile security threats and the need to protect themselves, almost half of the respondents admitted to not – or not knowing if they are – using a security app on their Android smartphone, while 50 percent of people were not aware that they needed a third-party mobile security app.

Moreover, 44 percent of respondents said they would only use free mobile security apps, with more than 80 percent of people willing to spend $4.99 or less on a security app for their Android smartphone.

“The survey results are a good reminder that while today’s consumers are aware of threats to the Android platform, most are not leveraging the tools and apps needed to protect themselves,” Yan Huang, COO of 360 Security said in a statement.

As is usually the case, the report authors have their own mobile security app available to address mobile malware, adware, ransomware, and Trojans. The 360 Security app for Android is available as a free download from the Google Play Store and has added functionality to clean up junk files and extend battery life by preventing apps from running in the background.

Image credit: Uncalno Tekno | Flickr