Sexting and sharing passwords -- adults are engaging in risky behavior

As technology advances, so does the potential for its misuse. As smartphones gain better cameras and higher speed data connections, the likelihood of sharing naughty photos and videos increases. Sadly, this can end up harming both parties if it leaks online. The person in the photo or video can be embarrassed and the person that shares the content can possibly be charged with new "revenge porn" laws.

This risky behavior is becoming an epidemic, not only regarding sexual content, but other things too. With that said, McAfee announces the results of a recent survey, and they are quite troubling.

"Today, McAfee released the findings from its 2014 Love, Relationships & Technology survey. For a second year in a row, the company examined how more than 1,500 consumers are sharing and storing intimate data on their mobile devices, especially with current or former significant others. The study highlights how sharing personal content such as suggestive texts, naked photos, suggestive video and passcodes on these devices can potentially lead to cyber-stalking and the exposure of private content leaking online", says McAfee.

Gary Davis, vice president of McAfee consumer business explains, "with all the stories we've heard about intimate photos being leaked, it's hard to believe people are still sharing their passwords. Ultimately, they're increasing the risks of these photos becoming public and possibly jeopardizing their identity and reputation. Consumers must take precautions and use mobile security to ensure that what should be private stays private".

Shockingly, 96 percent of US adults admit to sharing sexual content with a significant other. Of course, relationships do not always last, so this can be extremely risky. When the relationship does end, only 32 percent ask the other party to delete the content. This can be fuel for the revenge porn fire.

Men however, are more likely than women to secure their mobile device with a password or other means of security at 74 percent. Women aren't far off at 65 percent. Hopefully fingerprint technologies such as the one used on the new iPhone 5s will cause these numbers to increase for both genders. After all, many people do not secure the device do to inconvenience of unlocking.

The most unbelievable finding, sure to make security professionals cringe, is that 46 percent of these US adults share their passwords with other individuals. Not only that but 42 percent of users use the same password on multiple devices. As McAfee points out, this increases the chances of a user or their device becoming hacked.

McAfee provides the following infographic with important information on how to stay smart and safe:

Do you participate in this risky behavior? Tell me about it in the comments.

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