A recent study revealed that online dating apps in India have rapidly increased but faces considerable risk from cyber threats including malware attacks , nuisance advertisements, cyber stalking, identity theft, and even revenge porn.
More than 1,000 online dating app users from the country took part in the Norton Mobile Survey and it has been revealed that three out of five online daters (59 per cent) have been victims of cyber threats on such platforms.
Out of the total lot who have used online dating apps, close to 64 per cent women and 57 per cent men have experienced security problems. The biggest of the concerns that users have faced with online dating platforms include virus or malware (23 per cent).
‘Dating in a Metro’
The survey also highlighted the fact the online dating apps are mostly used across major cities — Delhi (51 per cent), Chennai (39 per cent), Kolkata (36 per cent), Mumbai (35 per cent), and Ahmedabad (35 per cent).
Out of all the Indian cities, most security issues related to dating apps have been reported by Chennai (68 per cent) and Hyderabad (69 per cent).
Ritesh Chopra, Country Manager, India, Norton by Symantec, said, “There is a general lack of security awareness amongst consumers when it comes to online dating on mobile devices. 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.”
He further said that the solution is about staying calm and not panicking after discovering a threat. He advised Indians trying to find matches to stay more vigilant and take extra care while approaching someone online.
