Abingdon, UK, 26 July 2012 - The recent influx of smartphones to the UK has prompted a slump in the popularity of desktop computers, according to a new study.[1] The survey found that while 64 per cent of respondents owned a desktop computer – a staggering 93 per cent now own a smartphone.

YouGov research commissioned on behalf of Kaspersky Lab, a leading developer of secure content and threat management solutions, also revealed that users are now reaching for their smartphone ahead of their computer when looking up something online. A massive 78 per cent of respondents went to their smartphone first, compared to the 57 per cent who chose their desktop.

Despite this boom in popularity, Brits are the worst in Europe when it comes to installing security software onto their smartphones. Of those surveyed, only 19 per cent had anti-virus protection installed on their phones, leaving themselves exposed to viruses, malware and hacking – which could leave them phoneless. A further 52 per cent did not know that security software for smartphones existed at all.

Lee Sharrocks, UK Sales and Marketing Director at Kaspersky Lab, commented: “Traditional desktop computers are slowly in decline as more people turn to their smartphone or tablet. This means device security has to be a priority. After all, they will only continue to increase in popularity and more functions, many of which were formerly available only on PCs, are being added all the time.

“The simplest way to protect your smartphone or tablet is to use a complete protection package like Kaspersky ONE Universal Security. It not only protects desktop PCs, Macs and laptops, but also tablets and smartphones.”

For further information please go to: http://www.kaspersky.co.uk/

[1] Results based on a survey conducted by YouGov market research institute on behalf of Kaspersky Lab. In total, 2478 YouGov panelists from France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the UK (average 400+ respondents per country; aged 18 and over; respondents needed to own a smartphone or tablet as well as a desktop, laptop or Mac computer) took part in online interviews from December 13th to December 15th 2011. The data has not been weighted and is not representative.