- Only 18% of smartphone users pay for third party antivirus software
- Most consumers rely on built in tools like Microsoft Defender and Apple XProtect
- McAfee and Norton remain the most trusted paid antivirus brands
- Experts warn mobile cyber threats are growing despite lower security spending
Smartphones have become the primary digital device for millions of people, replacing laptops and desktops for banking, shopping, messaging, and work. Yet while consumers continue spending heavily on premium phones, most are unwilling to invest in dedicated mobile security software.
A recent Cybernews survey of more than 1,000 adults in the United States reveals a noticeable shift in how people approach cybersecurity on mobile devices. The findings suggest users are increasingly depending on built in protections from companies like Apple and Microsoft instead of paying for third party antivirus solutions.
The trend highlights growing trust in native operating system security, but it also raises concerns among cybersecurity experts who believe many smartphone users underestimate modern mobile threats.
Free Security Tools Are Becoming the Default Choice
According to the report, only 18% of smartphone users currently pay for third party antivirus protection. That number marks a sharp decline from last year, when adoption stood at around 28%.
Instead, most consumers are turning to built in tools such as Microsoft Defender and Apple’s XProtect. More than half of users surveyed said they rely primarily on the security features included with their operating systems.
For many people, the decision comes down to convenience and cost. Smartphone makers have spent years promoting their ecosystems as secure by design, convincing users that extra protection is unnecessary. Since these security tools arrive preinstalled and require little setup, consumers often see them as enough for everyday use.
McAfee and Norton continue to dominate the shrinking paid antivirus market, maintaining strong brand recognition and customer trust for a second consecutive year. Lesser known antivirus vendors, however, are struggling to compete as users increasingly avoid additional subscriptions.
The shift is especially noticeable on mobile devices, where users tend to install fewer applications related to cybersecurity compared to desktops and laptops.
A Large Number of Users Still Lack Basic Protection
Despite the growing confidence in built in security, the report uncovered worrying gaps in user awareness.
Roughly 14% of smartphone owners admitted they do not use any cybersecurity tools at all. Another 16% said they were unsure what protections were active on their devices.
That uncertainty reflects a broader issue in mobile security. Many consumers simply assume their phones are automatically protected without understanding what safeguards are enabled or how they work.
Desktop users appear more cautious by comparison. Adoption of paid antivirus software on computers actually increased slightly over the past year, reaching 41% of users. PCs continue to attract more sophisticated malware campaigns, making consumers more willing to invest in extra protection.
Smartphones, meanwhile, are often viewed as safer platforms despite becoming increasingly attractive targets for cybercriminals.
Mobile Threats Continue to Evolve Rapidly
Cybersecurity researchers warn that the mobile threat landscape is changing faster than many users realize.
Traditional ransomware attacks remain more common on desktop systems, but cybercriminals are steadily expanding their focus to smartphones. Mobile phishing attacks, malicious QR codes, banking trojans, spyware, and fake applications are becoming more sophisticated and more difficult to detect.
Security experts say relying entirely on built in protection may not always be enough, especially for users who regularly download apps outside official stores, connect to public WiFi networks, or store sensitive financial information on their phones.
The report also found many users now prefer a layered approach to cybersecurity. Some combine antivirus tools with password managers, VPN services, and identity protection software to improve overall security.
Still, the majority of smartphone owners continue avoiding paid mobile protection altogether.
Part of the challenge lies in perception. Unlike computers, smartphones rarely display obvious signs of malware infections, leading many users to believe their devices are safe even when threats are present in the background.
Cybersecurity companies are now facing a difficult task: convincing consumers that mobile devices deserve the same level of protection as traditional computers.
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