With the advancement of technology, connecting to the internet with a smartphone has become more convenient than doing so via a computer. Yet, the same cyber security risks and threats that apply to computers also apply to smartphone devices. 

However, as there is an extremely wide age range of smartphone users, it is a considerable challenge to promote awareness of cyber security risks, which stem from smartphone hardware and firmware, add-on mobile applications, and user habits.

In recent years, media reports have detailed embedded software and mobile applications on smartphones that turn on phone features or collect memory data and send information gathered from these actions to phone manufacturers, service providers, or third parties without user authorization. Some even implant backdoors on hardware to collect data and send to manufacturers.

Technically speaking, the hardware, software, and firmware of smartphones all pose risks of information being leaked or transmitted to specific servers, but most consumers are not conscious of or forget about the items and scope of permission they granted prior to installing. The issue of mobile phone cyber security also entails whether phone manufacturers or application providers remind, inform, and disclose permissions the software requires to users in order to give consumers the right and chance to refuse. 

When considering a purchase of a smartphone, installing mobile applications, and connecting to the internet, consumers should remain vigilant about cyber security risks. Good practices include purchasing phones with cyber security certification, confirming permissions and data that may be collected when installing applications, and only connecting to familiar and protected Wi-Fi access points. As long as one remains vigilant, cyber security risks can be minimized, and personal or sensitive information will not be transmitted to phone manufacturers, application providers, or third parties due to negligence.