Smartphone ownership has grown tremendously over the last couple of decades, and so has their functionality. We are storing more personal data on mobile devices, which has created a new kind of risk. We must take the steps to mitigate mobile security threats.
In a little over a decade, smartphone ownership has become ubiquitous and all-pervasive. Currently, there are 3.5 billion smartphone users in the world. Mobile devices now account for more than half of all web traffic globally. The ubiquity of operational mobile devices has led to the explosion of cybersecurity threats targeting smartphone users. The number of mobile security threats your smartphone encounters increases with each passing week.
People are increasingly performing most of their daily tasks online via mobile devices. Many of these tasks involve online transactions, which means they require personal identifiable information (PII) such as banking and credit card details. Hackers will often try to glean this information using viruses, trojans, and other malware. Once your smartphone has been compromised, your other connected devices such as PCs, Macs, and tablets may be next.
Common Mobile Security Threats
Mobile device security threats are on the rise. That’s because we are storing more and more sensitive information on our smartphones and tablets. Now more than ever, it’s important to ensure the safety of this data. To effectively protect your banking and credit card information, photos and videos, location, phone number, passwords, and any other information stored in your mobile device, you need to understand the risks. Here are common mobile security threats users’ face.
Unsecured Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi access points are everywhere. You can easily walk into a random restaurant, hotel, airport, bookstore, or a retail store and access your email, social media, work network, etc. However, this convenience comes at a cost. You see, most public Wi-Fi networks are unsecured, meaning that they don’t utilize any security encryption whatsoever. This allows cybercrooks to set fake access points and intercept web traffic and since the data is unencrypted, whatever is being transmitted can be read and stolen by the hackers.
Data Leakage
Data leakage is a major security threat for smartphone users. Smartphone apps are the biggest culprits. Some mobile applications send user data to a remote server where it’s mined by advertising companies and sometimes hackers. These ‘riskware’ apps work just fine and you’ll find them on official app stores. Unintentional data leakage poses a great cybersecurity risk for mobile users who grant apps broad permissions without checking security.
Phishing Apps
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Phishing is an age-old data theft technique involving the use of fake emails that seem to be from trusted sources to trick people into sharing sensitive information. Phishing apps use the same tactic to secretly collect information such as account numbers, passwords, et cetera. These are fake apps masquerading as the official apps, typically downloaded from third-party apps stores. These apps are made to look like legitimate apps and it can be very difficult to tell the difference on a smaller screen.
Viruses and Trojans
Hackers can use viruses and trojans to hack into your smartphone and steal information it holds or has access to. A virus is any malicious program designed to alter the way your device works by infecting your files. Viruses are self-replicating and can delete or damage files and programs. Trojans are impostor files claiming to be legitimate apps but contain malicious code that gives hackers a backdoor to your device. Unlike viruses, trojans can’t replicate but can be just as damaging.
SIM Swap Scams
Also known as SIM-jacking, SIM swap scams exploit a cell phone carrier’s ability to port over a phone number to a new SIM card. When you lose your phone, you can get a replacement and ask your carrier to port your original phone number to the new device. All you need to do is provide some security information, which cybercriminals can steal via social engineering attacks. The attackers can take over their victims’ phone number and along with it, their email, social media, and financial accounts.
Ways to Secure Your Mobile Devices
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Over the past decade, we have come to rely on mobile devices for a wide range of daily activities. The devices store and provide access to a wide range of sensitive user information. As a result, mobile devices have become highly vulnerable to cyberattacks and other online threats. But that should not stop you from trying to get the most out of your smartphone. Here are some security steps you can take to secure your mobile device and reduce the risk of an attack.
Use VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the best online security tools in existence. A VPN hides your true IP and encrypts your web traffic allowing you to connect to the internet securely. When you use a VPN to connect to the internet, everything you do online will be shielded from prying eyes.
Using a VPN is mandatory when connecting to a public Wi-Fi or any network whose security status you are not sure about. Just download a VPN app on your mobile device, set up, and you are good to go.
Install Antivirus Software
The files you download from the internet could be infected with malware. Once in your device, these malicious codes will send your data to cybercriminals. Good antivirus software from a reputable company can protect you from viruses, trojans, worms, spyware, and other forms of malicious software. Antivirus programs are designed to detect and remove malicious programs. Antivirus software can scan downloads and block files that contain malware and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).
Encrypt Your Device
Encryption is the process of making data unreadable. Physical theft is one of the biggest mobile security threats facing users. Smartphones and tablets are small and portable hence easy to lose or misplace. Lost or stolen devices often end up in the hands of hackers. Encrypting your device makes the data stored in it inaccessible in case of theft. Fortunately, most smartphones and tablets come with encryption features built-in. Locate this feature on your device and make sure it’s enabled.
Restrict App Permissions
Some apps will send data to the server where it can be accessed by advertisers and cybercrooks. In most cases, unintentional data leakage results from lax app permissions. Don’t just grant app permissions without making some security considerations. Some apps don’t need access to your contacts, or messages, or location. Don’t allow malicious apps into your device; make sure that you read the fine print before installing an app.
Keep Your Software Up to Date
Hackers are always on the lookout for new vulnerabilities. Developers, on the other hand, try to stay ahead of cybercriminals by releasing updates to patch potential vulnerabilities in your system. Updating your software regularly — including your antivirus, social media apps, and operating system — ensures the best protection against emerging mobile security threats. Set your device to update automatically to make sure that you are always running the latest versions.
Mobile devices have become a big part of our lives. We rely on our smartphones and tablets to perform a wide range of day-to-day activities such as browsing the internet, booking appointments, online banking, and more. But the ubiquity and increased reliance on mobile devices have escalated the cybersecurity risk associated with these devices. Fortunately, there are things you can do to mitigate mobile security threats and continue using your device safely.
Satendra Kashyap is an investigative journalist for Times of India, My brief writing career comprises of writing short articles for online magazines and blogs, writing features for local monthly magazines and developing marketing material for offshore clients. I’ve experience in creating engaging yet optimized content for search engines.
