Kaspersky warns of rising cybersecurity risks as smartphones become primary internet devices

A global study by Kaspersky reveals a significant shift in internet usage, with 58% of respondents identifying smartphones as their primary device for internet access. This trend is most pronounced among Generation Z, where 67% of users aged 18 to 28 rely on mobile devices as their main connection point.

As smartphones become central to digital life, the volume and sensitivity of stored data are increasing. Common data types include personal photos and videos, contact information, text messages, and chat histories. Notably, 41% of users store sensitive documents such as IDs and passports on their phones, while 54% store professional data, including emails and corporate system access.

Cybersecurity experts warn that user security habits are not keeping pace with the growing amount of sensitive information being stored. Beyond traditional data, new categories are emerging, such as AI chatbot conversation histories (25%) and video game accounts (24%), highlighting the need for improved protection of mobile digital assistants.