Kaspersky survey: smartphones now primary internet device, security gaps highlighted

Kaspersky’s global survey reveals that roughly 60% of respondents now regard the smartphone as their main device for accessing the Internet, up from a lower share in previous years. The shift is strongest among Generation Z, with 67% of users aged 18‑28 naming the phone as their primary gateway.

The study shows extensive personal and professional data stored on phones: visual memories (photos and videos) top the list, followed by contact details, text‑message histories, and government‑issued IDs or passports. Work‑related information such as emails, calendars and corporate system credentials is also common, as are financial login details. Emerging categories like AI chat histories and gaming accounts appear on a notable share of devices.

Kaspersky cybersecurity expert Anton Kivva warned that security habits have not kept pace with this data concentration and outlined a three‑step plan: avoid keeping all data solely on the phone, ensure reliable backups or cloud sync, and protect sensitive information with dedicated security solutions.