Smartphones Overtake PCs as Primary Internet Device as Mobile Security Risks Grow

A new global survey conducted by Kaspersky revealed that smartphones have overtaken personal computers (PCs) as the primary way of people accessing the internet, highlighting growing concerns over the security of the vast amount of personal and financial data stored on mobile devices.

The survey showed that 58% of respondents now use smartphones as their main internet device, with the trend most pronounced among Generation Z. Nearly 67% of users aged between 18 and 28 said they primarily go online using their mobile phones.

As smartphone usage grows, the volume of sensitive information stored on the devices also grows. Nearly two-thirds of respondents keep photos and videos on their phones, while 55% store contact information, 46% retain text messages and chat histories, and 41% save important documents such as identification cards and passports.

The survey also found that smartphones increasingly serve as work tools, with 39% of users storing work emails, 26% keeping calendars and 17% having access to corporate systems. More than a third (36%) also store financial credentials and login details on their devices.

Kaspersky warns that while smartphones now hold some of users’ most valuable information, security habits have not kept pace with their growing role in everyday life.

“Now our smartphones serve as full‑featured assistants that touch every aspect of our lives. The data we entrust to them goes far beyond photos, phone numbers or text messages. Consequently, the main question is no longer “what we store,” but “how we protect it,” requiring security to become as integral to the device as the data it carries,” said Anton Kivva, cybersecurity expert at Kaspersky.

Additionally, Kaspersky reported that more than 2.67 million mobile malware, adware and unwanted software attacks were blocked globally during the first quarter of 2026, while more than 306,000 malicious mobile application packages were detected.

To reduce the risk of data loss and cyberattacks, Kaspersky recommended users to avoid storing important information exclusively on their smartphones by enabling cloud synchronization or regular backups. The company also advised using password managers or secure digital vaults to protect sensitive information such as passwords, banking details and identity documents.

Experts further recommended installing dedicated mobile security software capable of scanning applications, detecting malware and blocking phishing attempts before they compromise users’ personal or financial information.

Download the free Kaspersky SMB Cybersecurity Guide here to learn how businesses can move beyond traditional antivirus and build a more resilient approach to cybersecurity.