Smartphone security and usage trends pose growing risks

Smartphones have become a primary target for cybercriminals due to the vast amount of sensitive personal data, banking information, and private documents they contain. Despite their central role in daily life, many users remain unaware of their device's security status. A 2020 Eurostat study indicated that approximately one-fifth of Lithuanian smartphone users were unsure if their devices had active protection systems.

Beyond security risks, there is a growing trend of problematic smartphone usage. Data from 34,000 young adults across 24 countries showed an increase in problematic use between 2014 and 2020, where device usage begins to dictate daily routines and moods. In the United States, the American Psychiatric Association reported that 62 percent of adults feel anxiety when without their phones, while Pew Research Center found that 53 percent of US adults believe they spend too much time on their devices.