The increasing numbers of mobile phone devices and users have increased the concern for mobile security. Mobile security has emerged as a severe threat that is more critical than before. In simple words, mobile protection is the protection of all portable devices from potential threats and vulnerabilities.
In this highly advanced era, people use a mobile phone for all tasks like paying online bills, making banking transactions, online shopping, and much more. In this way, people share their sensitive data such as banking information, credit card numbers, and social security numbers as well.
In this post, we’re discussing the top trending mobile security threats. It is necessary to stay aware and informed about upcoming threats and dangers. Later in the post, preventive measures are also highlighted. Let’s read on.
Unsecured Networks
A crucial thing that every mobile device user should care about is unsecured free networks. Cyber crooks set up a fake access point that looks like Wi-Fi networks to connect. In reality, they are the trap nets set up in high-traffic public locations like airports, cafes, cinemas, coffee shops, and malls to target victims as possible.
These fake access points take on common names that are given by the attackers, so; they can resemble other networks and trap you efficiently. In some cases, attackers ask users to create an account to access free services.
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It means that you enter your email address and password that you use across other services like your Amazon or Google account. Hackers use this information to compromise your email address, credit cards, and other sensitive information.
Phishing
Phishing is a practice of tricking users into disclosing confidential information through fake or misleading emails and websites. The message is designed to appear legal, calling you by your name, having your complete contact information to deceive you into believing that the message is essential and can’t be ignored.
Examples of frequent phishing attacks include that of a bank message that asks you to click onto a link to download an attachment that allows the malware to gain access to your mobile device. Once hackers get access, they retrieve valuable data like passwords, bank, and credit card information.
Data Leakage
The accidental sharing of private information without the consent of the users is called data leakage. It is common on mobile devices because Apple and Google software is continuously gathering data as the information is being shared without the prior notice of the user through an application that is downloaded for free and works as advertised.
It also sends personal and corporate data to a remote server where advertisers and cybercriminals utilize it.
Viruses and Trojans
Both viruses and Trojans attack mobile devices. They come to what appears to be legitimate programs and later hijack mobile devices and steal information it contains or gains access to your sensitive information. Moreover, they send premium text messages that are costly at times.
Malicious Apps
Google faces criticism due to its Play Store hosting malicious apps. It has a long history of poorly managing their apps, and anyone can create an app. Thus, several apps pose a significant risk to mobile security by hosting malicious ads or even by using various social engineering techniques.
A common issue is the access process in which the apps ask you to provide them access to your data. However, it is plausible for some apps. Like for example, Skype requires access to your microphone so that you can speak to it, and others can hear you. But, some apps use your information in many ways. Some apps ask for your location and use it for marketing purposes.
Weak Passwords
Using the same passwords across multiple sites and accounts, not selecting the alphanumeric character passwords often leads to account hacks. This applies to both company and individual accounts. Furthermore, sharing passwords with friends also puts you in trouble. Thus, create unique and strong passwords to stay protected from various cyber-attacks.
IoT Mobile Security Threats
Now, mobile devices are coming in various forms and shapes. They have emerged from smartphones and tablets to wearable technology, such as smart devices, watches, and video conferencing tools. However, cybercriminals are well aware of all this, and they’ve already made up their minds to exploit it.
What makes immense growth of the Internet of Things (IoT ) a threat is the spread of ransomware. The mobile devices have IP addresses, which are a sign of hacking via the internet.
Hackers looking to gain access to your office data can use mobile devices to access the corporate network and compromise information within them.
Cryptojacking Attacks
These attacks are relatively new to the list of relevant mobile threats where an attacker installs malware on a device by launching a cyber-attack and uses the processing power of the device to mine cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. As a result, the affected phone suffers from battery drains and dries out early due to overheating.
In other cases, the Cryptojacking malware infects mobile devices through app downloads through untrusted sources. Thus, the security experts warn users while downloading the apps from the official platforms and keep a tab on the app permissions to wash out any suspect.
Tips to Prevent Security Threats
Mobile threat prevention helps organizations to protect apps, content, devices, and users from malicious attacks. The security teams combat all these threats by enabling an app that scans devices and configures them within the network or even sets up security protocols when malware is present.
The primary purpose of the mobile threat prevention approach is to allow organizations to identify, analyze, and remediate malware on mobile devices. After drafting the preventive approach, the security experts come up with various ways in which users can adapt and protect themselves.
Some of these practices are as follows.
- Update your software: It is found that a small portion of 20% of Android devices is using the newest version of the software, and 2.3% are using the latest version. From your operating system to your social networking apps are entry points for hackers to harm your mobile device. Keep your software updated to ensure the best protection against possible mobile security threats.
- Use a VPN: Like your computers use the antivirus software for protection, your mobile devices also need internet security. For this, use the best VPNs for your mobile device as it encrypts your internet traffic and hides your real IP address. Also, hackers won’t be able to know about your internet activities, and you can browse the web securely.
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- Use passwords on your device: The loss or any other physical theft can be prevented by setting strong passwords on your device. Use a combination of both alphanumeric as well as upper and lowercase while creating a password or if you find it painful to remember long passwords, then opt using the best password managers.
- Install a firewall: Most of the mobile devices do not come with any firewall protection. Installing firewall protections within your device provides you more reliable protection against digital threats and allows you to safeguard your online privacy.
- Download apps from app stores: Both Apple app and Google Play stores use the apps they sell. Although downloading apps from app stores might not ensure that you never get a bad app, it helps in reducing the risks.
Final Thoughts
Mobile devices are facing significant threats, and hackers are leaving no way to compromise your security.
However, you can do a lot to protect yourself, data, and employees. Follow the tips mentioned above, and you’re perfect on your way to protect yourself from all such threats. The critical factor is educating users and providing them with the necessary information and tools they require to make the right choice. The more they understand what’s at risk, the safer the data is.
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