How App Fatigue Can Pose a Security Threat: Understanding the Risks

As technology continues to advance, the number of apps and web tools that employees use on a daily basis is increasing.

It is not uncommon for different departments to have around 40-60 digital tools that they use regularly. However, with the rise in the number of apps, there has been a corresponding rise in the feeling of being overwhelmed by the number of notifications employees receive from these apps. In fact, a survey conducted showed that 71% of employees feel that the number of apps they use on a regular basis makes work more complex.

Many of the apps that we use daily have various alerts, such as notifications of updates, errors, or security issues. For example, when someone mentions our name on a Teams channel, we get a “ping,” and a notification pops up, informing us that an update is available. However, while these notifications are meant to help us stay on top of important information, they can often have the opposite effect.

The overwhelming number of notifications that employees receive from these apps is leading to what is known as “app fatigue.” App fatigue is a real issue that is becoming a cybersecurity problem because the more notifications people receive, the more likely they are to ignore them. As a result, important alerts can be missed, leading to potential security breaches or other issues. To avoid app fatigue, it is important for employees to manage the number of apps they use and take steps to reduce the number of notifications they receive from these apps.

Just think about the various digital alerts that you get. They come in:

• Software apps on your computer
• Web-based SaaS tools
• Websites where you’ve allowed
• Alerts
• Mobile apps and tools
• Email banners
• Text messages
• Team communication tools

Receiving identical notifications on multiple devices is becoming a common problem for some employees, causing numerous issues that affect productivity and cybersecurity. This notification overload is exacerbated by the introduction of new apps, which requires employees to create yet another password. With the average worker already juggling about 191 passwords, they end up using at least 154 of them each month.

How Does App Fatigue Put Companies at Risk?

Employees Begin Ignoring Updates

In today’s digital age, it’s common to be bombarded with notifications and alerts from various apps and devices. However, when these digital interruptions constantly disrupt your workflow, it can leave you feeling like you’re always playing catch-up. As a result, many people tend to ignore small tasks, such as app updates, that don’t seem immediately urgent.

Employees who are overwhelmed with too many app alerts may quickly dismiss them, thinking they don’t have the time to deal with them at the moment. Unfortunately, ignoring app updates can be dangerous. Many of these updates include important security patches to fix vulnerabilities that cyber attackers can exploit. When these updates aren’t installed, the device and its network are at a higher risk of a successful cyberattack.

Therefore, it’s crucial to make time to keep your devices up to date with the latest app updates and security patches. While it may be tempting to ignore app updates to focus on more pressing matters, it’s important to prioritize digital security to prevent potential breaches. By keeping your devices up to date, you’re ensuring the safety and security of your information and networks.

Employees Reuse Passwords

The exhaustion of managing multiple applications has led to yet another security issue – compromised password security. As individuals are compelled to create numerous SaaS accounts, the likelihood of password reuse increases. Research indicates that passwords are recycled approximately 64% of the time, which poses a significant threat to data privacy. A leading cause of cloud data breaches is credential compromise, as cybercriminals can easily crack weak passwords. The danger is compounded when the same password is employed across several accounts, putting numerous accounts in peril.

Employees May Turn Off Alerts

In our fast-paced digital world, push notifications have become a constant part of our daily lives. While some alerts can be useful, others can be downright annoying. For instance, do you really need to be notified every time someone responds to a group thread? Probably not.

But, it’s important to note that not all alerts are created equal. There are certain notifications that should never be turned off, especially when it comes to security. Disabling important alerts can put your personal data and security at risk.

That being said, there’s a point where too much of anything can become overwhelming. One more push notification can be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. It’s essential to find a balance between being informed and being overwhelmed. So, while it’s okay to turn off some notifications, be careful not to sacrifice your security in the process.

What’s the answer to app fatigue?

It’s not realistic to just go backward in time before all these apps were around. But you can put a strategy in place that puts people in charge of their tech, and not the other way around.

• Streamline Your Business Applications
• Have Your IT Team Set up Notifications
• Automate Application Updates
• Open a Two-Way Communication About Alerts

In conclusion, app fatigue is a real and growing issue for many people who are overwhelmed by the sheer number of apps they need to use to keep up with their daily tasks and responsibilities. However, there are several solutions to address this problem, including consolidating multiple apps into one platform, using automation and AI-powered tools to streamline processes, and practicing digital minimalism by only using essential apps.

By implementing these strategies, users can reduce app overload and improve their productivity, while app developers can create more user-friendly and efficient apps that prioritize simplicity and usability. Ultimately, the key to overcoming app fatigue lies in finding a balance between the convenience and functionality of apps and the need for simplicity and focus in our increasingly busy digital lives.

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