A Cybernews survey of more than 1,000 US adults found mobile third-party antivirus use fell from 28% last year, while 14% reported no cybersecurity tools and 16% were unsure.
Most users rely on built-in protections such as Microsoft Defender and Apple security features, which now serve as the main defence for 51% of mobile users.
By contrast, paid antivirus use on computers rose 2% to 41%, even as researchers warned smartphone threats are evolving and many owners may underestimate cybercriminal risks.
As we abandon paid antivirus, are we handing hackers the keys to our digital lives for free?
Millions of Androids have a hardware flaw exploitable in under 60 seconds. Is your device on the list?
Can your phone’s free security stop an AI from stealing your face and voice for fraud?