WHAT IS APP FATIGUE AND WHY IS IT A SECURITY RISK FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

 In today’s technology-driven world, the number of applications and web tools that employees use on a regular basis continues to multiply. With each passing day, it seems like there’s a new app or software solution designed to streamline workflows and enhance productivity. However, this relentless surge in digital tools has given rise to a phenomenon known as “app fatigue.”

App fatigue refers to the feeling of overwhelm and frustration experienced by users due to the constant ‘pings’ of notifications from various applications and the struggle to remember their millions of passwords variations. This constant bombardment of alerts vying for attention can lead to employees unintentionally (or at times intentionally) ignoring critical security alerts, compromising data security and network integrity.

HOW DOES APP FATIGUE PUT BUSINESSES AT RISK?

+ Employees Begin Ignoring Updates

When bombarded with frequent app updates and alerts, employees may start disregarding them, considering them low priority or time-consuming. Unfortunately, this habit can have severe consequences, as many updates often include critical security patches to address vulnerabilities. Neglecting these updates exposes both the device and the network it operates on to a higher risk of cyberattacks.

+ Employees Reuse Passwords (and They’re Often Weak)

 App fatigue also takes a toll on password security. With the increased use of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) accounts, employees tend to resort to reusing passwords. This dangerous practice becomes a significant liability, as weak passwords are easy targets for hackers. When a single password is used across multiple accounts, a security breach in one account can compromise several others, leaving sensitive data exposed.

+ Employees May Turn Off Alerts

In an effort to regain control and reduce distraction, employees may opt to turn off notifications across various apps. While this may provide temporary relief, it can lead to the inadvertent dismissal of critical security alerts as within these notifications lie important warnings, such as those from anti-malware apps signalling the presence of a newly discovered virus. Disabling such alerts significantly increases the likelihood of falling victim to cyber threats.

SO… HOW CAN MY BUSINESS COMBAT APP FATIGUE?

Unfortunately, it’s not realistic to just go back in time before all these apps were around and totally remove them from existence… 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

One of the first steps to combatting app fatigue is streamlining the number of applications used within your business. Having fewer apps not only reduces the risk of security breaches but also alleviates the burden of remembering multiple passwords and managing countless notifications.

Take a close look at the tools your business uses and identify any redundancies. Often, multiple apps can serve the same purpose. Consider adopting an umbrella platform like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, which integrates various work tools under one login, providing a unified and streamlined experience.

+ Have Your IT Team Set up Notifications

A common challenge users face is determining which notifications are essential amidst the constant flood of alerts. To help with this, ask your I.T provider to configure app notifications on behalf of the users. By setting up notifications based on relevance and importance, you can ensure that users receive only the necessary alerts without being bombarded by excessive distractions. This approach strikes a balance between staying informed and avoiding unnecessary interruptions, allowing individuals to focus on their tasks more effectively.

+ Automate Application Updates

Keeping apps and devices updated is crucial for both productivity and security. However, we all know that constantly managing updates can be time-consuming and disruptive. The best thing to do is here to automate device and software updates, removing this responsibility from employees’ hands.

By implementing a managed services solution, you can ensure that updates occur seamlessly in the background, enhancing productivity by eliminating unnecessary update-related distractions. This also helps to minimise the risk of vulnerable apps compromising your network.

+ Open a Two-Way Communication About Alerts

Often, employees hesitate to turn off app alerts due to the fear of missing important information or getting reprimanded. However, it’s clear that constant app interruptions hinder productivity. The best way to address this issue is to establish a two-way communication channel between managers and employees. By creating an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their alert management challenges, you can collaboratively develop strategies to optimize the use of alerts, resulting in a more productive workday.

NEED HELPING REDUCING ALL THE APP NOISE?

Let ALL I.T help! Our team is available to help you reduce all of your app fatigue and security concerns.  We offer comprehensive IT solutions tailored to your business needs. From streamlining your application ecosystem to managing updates and optimizing alert management, we’ve got you covered.

Don’t let app fatigue compromise your security and productivity any longer. Fill in your details below and our team of experts will contact you within 48 hours to discuss how we can create a more efficient and secure digital environment for your business.