Employees utilize an increasing number of web and mobile apps on a daily basis. Most departments utilize between 40 and 60 distinct digital tools. According to 71% of workers, using so many apps increases the complexity of their work.
Numerous daily-used apps come with a variety of warnings. When someone mentions our name on a Teams channel, we receive a “ping”. A pop-up alert notifies us that an update is available. We get notification of faults or security problems.
App weariness is a very real issue that is starting to affect cybersecurity. People are more prone to ignore notifications when they become overloaded with them.
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
On two distinct devices, several employees are receiving the identical notification. This only makes things worse. This results in a number of problems that affect cybersecurity and productivity.In addition to constant alerts, every time the employer rolls out a new app, a new password is required. About 191 passwords are already being managed by employees. At least 154 of them are used by them at some point in the month.
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How Does App Fatigue Put Companies at Risk ?
Employees Begin Ignoring Updates
You can feel behind schedule when digital alerts keep interrupting your work. Because they are not perceived as urgent, tiny jobs end up being neglected. clicking to install an app update, for example.
When there are too many app alerts, employees prefer to ignore them. They might immediately click away from updates when they appear. They don’t know how much time it will take and feel they don’t have it right now.
It is risky to disregard app updates on a device. A large number of such updates contain crucial security patches for discovered vulnerabilities. The device and its network are more vulnerable when they are not installed. It gets simpler to fall victim to a successful cyberattack.
Employees Reuse Passwords (and They’re Often Weak)
Password security is just another security lapse brought on by app weariness. One is more prone to repeat passwords the more SaaS accounts they need to setup. Passwords are reportedly repeated 64% of the time on average.
One of the main causes of cloud data breaches is credential theft. Weak passwords are simple for hackers to crack. Using the same password repeatedly puts multiple accounts at risk.
Employees May Turn Off Alerts
It’s acceptable to disable some alarms. Do you really need to be informed each time someone replies to a group discussion, for instance? Or only when they RT you? However, it is not a good idea to disable critical security notifications.
When someone reaches a breaking point, one more push notification may be all it takes to send them over the brink. They might disable all of the alerts from all of the apps. The issue with this is that there are vital alerts mixed in with the other alarms. Using an anti-malware program, for instance, that issues a virus alert.
What Can Be Done to Combat App Fatigue?
Going back in time to before there were all these applications is not a feasible option. However, you may implement a strategy that puts people in control of their technology rather than the other way around.
Streamline Your Business Applications
Fewer apps are preferable from a productivity and security perspective. There is less risk the fewer apps you have. Additionally, the fewer passwords and notifications to remember.
Check your tools to determine if there are any redundancies there. Many businesses use two or more apps that can do the same task.
Use an all-encompassing platform, such as Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. Users simply need one login to use the various work tools on these sites.
Have Your IT Team Set up Notifications
Users find it challenging to determine which notifications are most crucial. Set up notifications for them in their apps. They won’t be overloaded while still receiving the crucial messages thanks to this.
Automate Application Updates
Automating software and device upgrades is a solid practice for cybersecurity. This removes control from the employees over the process. It increases productivity by hiding pointless updates from their field of vision.
Security is increased by automating device upgrades with a managed services solution. Additionally, it lessens the possibility of a weak software endangering your network.
Establish Two-Way Communication Regarding Alerts
Because they are concerned about getting into trouble, employees might never turn off an alert. It’s possible that managers are not even aware that frequent app alert disruptions reduce productivity.
Inform your team members that you are available for communication. Describe efficient alert usage. A better and more productive workday can be achieved by managing alerts in the best way possible.
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