JOHANNESBURG – The latest global research from Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) shows a shift in the way people use online. 58% claim that their smartphone is now the main device they use to access the internet, relegating their PC to a secondary role.
But as the amount and sensitivity of data stored on these phones continues to increase, cybersecurity experts warn that users' security habits aren't keeping up.
According to a survey*, almost 60% of respondents believe their smartphone is their primary device for accessing the internet.
The most active smartphone users are Gen Z, with 67% of respondents aged 18-28 choosing a mobile phone as their primary device.
As mobiles have become serious rivals to computers for accessing the Internet, the amount of sensitive data stored on them has also increased significantly.
Personal photos and videos take the lead.
Nearly two-thirds of users store visual memories on their devices.
This is followed by contact details (55%), text messages and chat history (46%), and important personal documents such as IDs and passports (41%).
At the same time, a significant portion of users store work-related data on their smartphones (39% email, 26% calendar, and 17% store access to corporate systems), blurring the lines between personal and work domains.
Financial credentials and login details are visible on 36% of devices, while new categories such as AI chat history (25%) and gaming accounts (24%) represent new types of personal data stored on personal devices.
“Currently, our smartphones act as full-featured assistants that touch every aspect of our lives,” said Anton Kiba, cybersecurity expert at Kaspersky Lab.
“The data we entrust to them goes far beyond photos, phone numbers, and text messages. So the key question is no longer ‘what to store?’ but ‘how to protect it.’ Security needs to become as integral to the device as the data it holds.”
Three keys to mobile data security
To help users safely navigate this new digital reality, Kaspersky experts have published a three-tier security plan.
1. Data should not be stored only on your phone
Your smartphone shouldn't be your only repository for all kinds of information.
It's nice to have everything at your fingertips, but if it's accidentally deleted, lost, or suffers a hardware failure, recovery can be impossible without reliable backups or cloud syncing.
The most sensitive data such as passwords, IDs, and financial details require special care and should preferably be stored in a protected format.
Use a dedicated security solution like Kaspersky Password Manager (https://apo-opa.co/45cKAzp). The solution has a special secret vault feature aimed at safely storing credentials and bank cards as well as important documents such as scanned passports/IDs, PDF files, addresses, notes, etc.
Access your data from any gadget thanks to cross-device sync.
2. Take steps to protect against digital threats
In Q1 2026 (https://apo-opa.co/4b4kLFe) alone, more than 2.67 million attacks leveraging malware, adware, or unwanted mobile software were stopped and more than 306,000 malicious installation packages were discovered.
Mobile devices require the same cyber protection as PCs. Kaspersky experts recommend cybersecurity solutions such as Kaspersky Premium, which provides comprehensive protection. This starts by scanning apps for potential threats upon installation and uses AI-driven features to block malicious and phishing links in real-time to prevent loss of data or money, among many other layers of security.
3. “What if” scenario planning
Losing your phone always happens unexpectedly, but with a few proactive measures you can significantly reduce its impact.
Turn on location services. Both Android and iOS include built-in tools that allow you to locate your lost phone and remotely wipe its data if necessary. The Kaspersky for Android (https://apo-opa.co/3TM9Wl7) app enables this feature through the “Device Location” feature. Enable automatic backups. Regular backups ensure that you can recover your photos, videos, documents, contacts, and other important data even if your device is lost or stolen. Set immediate automatic lock. Setting your phone to lock immediately after the screen turns off prevents thieves and cybercriminals from accessing your phone when you're not using it. Keep your device physically secure. Never leave your cell phone near or within reach in public places. Do not place it on a table, in your back pocket, or in any other vulnerable area.
“We often underestimate how much valuable information we store on our mobile devices, and how vulnerable that data actually is,” said Anton Kiba, a cybersecurity expert at Kaspersky Lab.
“When was the last time you backed up your photos and notes?
“What do you do if you lose your phone? Do you verify links before clicking them?
“While most users automatically think of security software for computers, mobile phones are lagging behind.
“It’s time to give your everyday digital companions the same robust cyber protection they deserve.”
Kaspersky for Android can be downloaded from this link (https://apo-opa.co/3TM9Wl7) and Kaspersky for iOS can be downloaded from this link (https://apo-opa.co/4vGr2hK).
*This research was conducted by Kaspersky Market Research Center in March 2026. The survey involved 7,200 respondents from 18 countries: Brazil, China, Colombia, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam.
