A new survey by Kaspersky highlights the growing need for mobile data security in Saudi Arabia as smartphones usage rises. Specifically, 72% of users in the Kingdom now use their smartphones as their primary device to access the internet. Consequently, computers have moved to a secondary role for online activities.
The shift is particularly visible among younger generations. For instance, 67% of respondents aged 18 to 28 choose a mobile phone as their main gateway to the internet. Meanwhile, the volume of sensitive information stored on these devices continues to grow rapidly.
Shift to Mobile Internet Access
As mobile devices become the primary tool for internet access, they store increasingly sensitive personal files. Notably, nearly half of the surveyed users keep personal photos and videos on their phones. In addition, 42% of respondents store their chat histories and text messages on their devices.
Furthermore, 42% of users keep important personal documents like passports and identity cards on their mobile phones. Meanwhile, 40% of respondents use their devices to store contact details. This accumulation of sensitive files makes cybersecurity measures increasingly important for daily users.
Types of Stored Personal Information
The boundary between personal and professional lives is also disappearing. Specifically, 33% of users store work emails on their personal phones, while 18% keep corporate calendars. Moreover, 18% of respondents maintain direct access to corporate systems through their mobile devices.
Financial credentials and login details are present on 35% of devices. Additionally, newer data types are emerging, with 29% of users storing artificial intelligence chat histories. Finally, 23% of respondents keep gaming accounts on their phones, showing the diverse range of stored information.
“Now our smartphones serve as full-featured assistants that touch every aspect of our lives. The data we entrust to them goes far beyond photos, phone numbers or text messages. Consequently, the main question is no longer ‘what we store,’ but ‘how we protect it,’ requiring security to become as integral to the device as the data it carries.”
Anton Kivva, cybersecurity expert at Kaspersky
Three Steps for Mobile Data Security
To address these risks, experts recommend a structured approach to mobile data security. First, users should never store important information solely on a single phone. Instead, they should use cloud synchronization or regular backups to prevent permanent data loss from hardware failure.
Second, active protection against digital threats is necessary. For example, during the first quarter of 2026, security systems blocked over 2.67 million malware and adware attacks. Therefore, installing dedicated security software helps block malicious links and prevent financial losses in real time.
Proactive Measures for Device Loss
Third, preparing for the physical loss of a device is crucial. Specifically, users should enable location services to track or remotely wipe their phones if they are stolen. In addition, configuring instant auto-lock prevents unauthorized access when the device is left unattended.
Ultimately, physical safety remains a vital part of mobile data security. Consequently, users should avoid leaving their phones unattended in public spaces. By taking these proactive steps, individuals can protect their personal and professional information from emerging digital threats.
