PHISHING remains the leading smartphone security issue, with the latest Omdia 2025 Mobile Device Security Consumer Survey reporting that 27% of consumers experienced phishing scams, the most common incident ahead of malware at 26%. According to Omdia, on-device protections are being bypassed by increasingly sophisticated attacks, underscoring the need for users to stay vigilant.
The survey also highlights geographic differences, with the United States at 40% and the United Kingdom at 36% of respondents reporting phishing experiences, followed by Ireland (35%), Canada (32%), Australia (30%), and Singapore (26%). On the device side, AI is a contested area: Google has launched on-device scam protection with real-time natural language checks, though even the most advanced scam messages can evade detection, suggesting AI will improve but not yet end the threat.
Regulators and manufacturers are emphasising security updates as a key consumer priority, with 33% of respondents trusting their phone to deliver timely updates and a growing expectation that updates will address phishing and other threats. The findings, dated 13 March 2026, imply that while AI features help, proactive user behaviour and robust update practices remain essential. According to Omdia.