Smartphones have solidified their position as the primary device for internet access across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, including India, according to new findings from a survey conducted by global cybersecurity and digital privacy company Kaspersky (https://www.kaspersky.com/). The study highlights a growing disparity between the increasing volume and sensitivity of data stored on these devices and the lagging security measures adopted by users.

The survey, conducted in March 2026, indicates that nearly three-quarters (72%) of APAC respondents consider their smartphone the main device for online access, pushing personal computers into a secondary role. In India, this trend is equally pronounced, with 60% of respondents primarily relying on smartphones for their online activities.

As mobile devices evolve into central hubs for digital lives, the array of information stored on them has expanded significantly. Personal photos and videos lead the data categories, stored by nearly two-thirds (65%) of respondents. Contact details are held by 57%, and text messages alongside chat histories by 50%. Critically, nearly half (49%) also store personal documents such as identification cards, passports, or insurance details on their smartphones.

Smartphones Expanding Data Footprint and Regional Differences

Smartphones are increasingly integrated into professional and daily productivity routines. The survey found that 47% of APAC respondents store work emails on their devices, with 31% keeping work calendars accessible. Financial data is also commonly found, with 38% storing banking details and 34% saving passwords and login credentials. Emerging categories like AI chat histories, stored by 27% of users, further illustrate the device’s comprehensive role in daily life.

Indian respondents, in particular, demonstrate an even broader reliance on smartphones for various information types. Compared to the APAC average, Indian users are more likely to store work emails (48%), notes and reminders (42%), shopping information (46%), AI chat histories (37%), and access to work systems (27%).

Anton Kivva, a cybersecurity expert at Kaspersky, emphasized the shift in smartphone utility. “Our smartphones now serve as full-featured assistants, touching every aspect of our lives. The data we entrust to them extends far beyond basic communication,” Kivva stated. “The critical question is no longer ‘what we store,’ but ‘how we protect it,’ necessitating that security becomes as integral to the device as the data it carries.”

Adrian Hia, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky, reiterated the transformed relationship with mobile technology. “Our relationship with smartphones has fundamentally changed. Instead of a communication device, they have become the place where we manage our finances, work, memories, and increasingly turn to AI-powered assistants for everyday tasks,” Hia commented. “As more aspects of our lives converge on a single device, the impact of losing access to it or having it compromised also grows. Mobile cybersecurity today is no longer just about protecting a phone; it is also about protecting the digital lives we carry in our pockets every day.”

Recommendations for Enhanced Mobile Security

To address these evolving risks, Kaspersky experts recommend a multi-faceted approach to mobile data security:

Implement Robust Backup Strategies: A smartphone should not be the sole repository for any critical information. Accidental deletions, device loss, or hardware failures can render data unrecoverable without reliable backups or cloud synchronization. For highly sensitive data like passwords or financial details, utilizing a dedicated security solution such as a password manager with a secure vault feature is advised.

Deploy Comprehensive Cybersecurity Solutions: Mobile devices require the same level of cyber protection as personal computers. In 2025 alone, Kaspersky reported blocking over 47.5 million web-based cyber threats in India, averaging over 130,000 incidents daily. Experts recommend cybersecurity solutions that offer comprehensive protection, including app scanning, AI-driven threat blocking, and real-time phishing link prevention. For further details on such technological advancements and cybersecurity insights(https://technosports.co.in/), readers can refer to industry reports.

Proactive Planning for Device Loss: Preparing for the unexpected loss of a phone can significantly mitigate its impact. Key proactive steps include:

Activating Location Services: Both Android and iOS operating systems include built-in tools for locating a lost phone and, if necessary, remotely wiping its data.

Enabling Automatic Backups: Regular backups ensure that photos, videos, documents, and contacts can be restored even if the device is lost or stolen.

Configuring Instant Auto-Lock: Setting the phone to lock immediately after the screen turns off prevents unauthorized access.
Prioritizing Physical Safety: In public environments, users are advised to keep their phones secure and avoid leaving them unattended or in easily accessible locations.

The survey encompassed 7,200 respondents from 18 countries, including Brazil, China, Colombia, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam.