App Fatigue: A Security Issue
Employees today use an increasing number of apps and web tools on a regular basis. Most departments use about 40-60 different digital tools. According to a survey, 71% of employees feel that using so many apps makes work more complex.
Every day, we use many apps that generate various alerts, such as a “ping” when our name is mentioned on a Teams channel, a notification popup for available updates, and alerts for errors or security issues.
App fatigue becomes a cybersecurity problem as people get overwhelmed by notifications. The more notifications people receive, the more likely they ignore those notifications.
Just think about the various digital alerts that everyone gets. 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
When two different devices send the same notification to some employees, this exacerbates the problem. Double notifications cause various issues that negatively impact productivity and cybersecurity.
In addition to being bombarded with alerts, every time the boss introduces a new app, employees must create a new password. As a result, employees already manage approximately 191 passwords, and use at least 154 of them at some point during the month.
How Does App Fatigue Put Companies at Risk?
Employees Begin Ignoring Updates
Digital alerts make you feel like you’re always behind, causing you to ignore seemingly unimportant tasks such as clicking to install an app update.
Employees inundated with too many app alerts often ignore them, including important updates that contain security patches for vulnerabilities. When updates appear, team members dismiss them quickly, feeling they cannot spare the time and unsure of how long the update takes.
Ignoring app updates on a device is dangerous, as it leaves the device and its network at a higher risk of a successful cyberattack. Team members must install these updates to maintain security.
Employees Reuse Weak Passwords
App fatigue also affects password security, as people who create numerous SaaS accounts are more likely to reuse passwords. Statistics show that passwords typically get reused 64% of the time.
Reusing passwords increases the risk of credential breaches, which present a leading cause of cloud data breaches. Hackers easily crack weak passwords, and using the same password for multiple accounts puts them all at risk.
Employees May Turn Off Alerts
Disabling certain alerts helps. For instance, is it necessary to receive a notification each time someone responds to a group thread, or only when they specifically mention you with an @? However, turning off crucial security alerts is not advisable.
Reaching a breaking point often causes someone to disable as many alerts as possible across all apps. However, this practice poses a problem since important alerts get mixed in with the rest. For example, an anti-malware app may issue a missed warning about a newly discovered virus.
What’s the Answer to App Fatigue?
Going back in time to before the advent of these apps does not offer a practical solution. However, implementing a strategy that empowers people to take control of their technology, rather than the other way around, offers a viable alternative.
Streamline Your Business Applications
Using fewer apps works better for productivity and security. The lower number of apps used, the lower the risk of potential issues, such as password overload and excessive notifications.
To identify any redundancies, review the tools in use. Many companies use multiple apps that perform the same function.
Using an umbrella platform such as Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace is worth considering. These platforms offer various work tools, and users only need a single login to access them.
Have Your IT Team Set up Notifications
Users find it challenging to determine which notifications are most crucial. Setting up app notifications on their behalf helps ensure that they receive the necessary alerts without being overwhelmed by an excessive number of notifications. Work with them to keep the alerts they want.
Automate Application Updates
Automating device and software updates constitutes a cybersecurity best practice that eliminates the need for employees to manage the process. This approach boosts productivity by removing unnecessary updates from their view.
By automating device updates via a managed services solution, security is improved, and the risk of a vulnerable app compromising the network is minimized.
Open a Two-Way Communication About Alerts
Employees may avoid turning off alerts due to fear of consequences, while managers may be unaware of the impact of constant app interruptions on productivity.
To address this issue, it’s important to communicate with employees and make it clear that they can discuss their concerns with you. Openly discuss the most effective ways to use alerts and strategies for managing them to improve productivity and create a more efficient workday.
Why Is This Published By A Business Phone Company?
Here at NoContractVoIP, we believe that your success creates our success. And, since we specialize in business communication, we work to help you communicate better while staying safe. We create the cutting edge communication systems that modern companies need. And we’re geeks who get into tech stuff, so we study it for you.
To talk to a business phone system specialist and never worry about any of this again, call 866-550-0005 or contact us today.
To get the latest helpful content delivered to your inbox every month, subscribe to our newsletter here.