Kaspersky Lab: Digital "clutter" is growing both because of the explosion in the use of applications and because of the benefits of increased device memory capacity. However, inadequate application maintenance leaves devices vulnerable to threats related to their security. A new research of Kaspersky Lab reveals the magnitude of the digital "clutter" problem faced by Internet users worldwide.
The survey revealed that users typically install 12 Android apps each month while deleting just 10, which means users are adding 2 apps to their devices monthly. With more applications being installed continuously on devices, effective management is important to prevent digital "clutter". However, we discovered that only half the users (55%) are refreshing and reviewing the contents of their device by deleting unused documents and applications.
The findings are part of a new study conducted by Kaspersky Lab called "Digital "clutter" and its dangers (Digital clutter and its dangers)'. The study is based on data obtained from a unique combination of an online survey conducted in 17 countries, statistical analyzes by Kaspersky Security Network (KSN) and an experiment on application performance by internal Kaspersky Lab testers.
The accumulation of digital "clutter" means that cleaning up and upgrading applications is more important than ever in combating malware that uses vulnerabilities. points of apps with the intention of jailbreaking the entire device. Despite this, the survey found that just a quarter (28%) of users upgrade apps on their device when forced to, while 10% of users try not to upgrade at all.
One of the key threats is that apps themselves can put user and device data at risk through their daily activity. Kaspersky Lab's technical findings show that out of 100 Android apps that users can manage (install and delete), 83 have access to sensitive personal data of the user, such as contacts, messages and data, while still being able to make phone calls and send SMS messages.
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Additional findings from the KSN have shown how apps can work without the user's permission. On average, users have 66 apps on their Android device. By testing a representative 66 sample from the most popular Android apps, 54 started in the background, without users touching them, consuming on average 22Mb a day without any user interaction.
App settings give users a degree of control over anything the application can access or interact with. However, the survey found that only 40% of people deliberately adjust the settings of each app on their smartphone. In addition, only 32% may refuse to install a mobile application if it is not satisfied with the content of the license.
Andrei Mochola, Head of Consumer Business Kaspersky Lab, stated:
"Users expose their devices and personal data to digital threats by failing to take care of their device simply by cleaning up and updating their software and applications by customizing the settings and removing the installation of applications that are no longer used. Accumulation of digital "clutter" on our devices means we have increasingly ignored the maintenance of these applications. But we do it at our expense, because this can lead to a wide range of problems, such as device malfunctions, battery life issues, or malware infection. Applications have access to some of the most sensitive and personal data we have on our devices, and users often ignore that this information is shared. We call users to put their digital homes in order. Just like a clean, neat room brings fresh air to your home and your life, in the same way, a neat computer or smartphone results in a more enjoyable and, above all, safer experience. "
In order to combat "clutter" and protect their personal data, Kaspersky Lab advises users on the following:
- Understand what is stored in - take some time to check your devices and practice what information is stored in which applications and files on your device
- Clean your device - spend some time putting your digital home in order, through regular clearing and updating of information stored on your devices
- Keep your device software and applications up to date - regular updates should be made as close as possible to the release of new releases
- Use special software – For example, software cleaners such as the one provided by products Kaspersky Lab's flagship, they scan all applications installed on your device and notify you about those that present a potential risk or are rarely used.
