As the number of people shifting to mobile devices increases day by day, the risks of mobile threats are also growing. With several businesses permitting employees to use personal devices to access corporate networks, they are more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. There are different types of mobile malware, and they utilise various methods of delivery and infection. In this post, our cybersecurity experts from Perth will help you understand what mobile malware is, the different types and how to protect your mobile devices from malware. What is Mobile Malware? Mobile malware is malicious software that exploits vulnerabilities in mobile OS to attack devices like smartphones and tablets. Why are Mobile Devices Vulnerable, and How does it Affect Businesses? Mobile devices are more open to cyberattacks because they don’t have the same level of security measures as computers. Many mobile device users don’t take time or effort to install antivirus software as they would do on a computer. Having no firewalls, antivirus software, and no encryption leaves the mobile devices vulnerable to malware attacks. Yet, many people use their mobile devices to access confidential information. This leaves their sensitive information and also their businesses in danger. A malware attack can cause a prolonged effect on your business. Over the loss of confidential information, there will be loss of money, extra financial expenses, lack of productivity, and more. How do Malware Affect Mobile Devices? Open a Pathway: Mobile app malware have a better chance of passing unnoticed through a safety check. They hide in apps, and the malicious code will be launched later when the user starts using the app. This way, hackers get access to your data, sensitive information and can even control your device. Lock a Device: A hacker can lock you out and gain control of your device or data and even demand money for releasing it. Slow Down Productivity: Malware can interrupt workflow and even get a device replaced, causing undesirable expenses. It can also drain the device battery and stop devices from getting online. What are The Types of Mobile Malware? Mobile Spyware Ransomware SMS Trojans Mobile Phishing Browser Exploits How to Protect Your Mobile Devices from Malware? Here are a few preventive measures you can implement to protect your data and device from mobile malware. Training Yourself and Others Keep Your Apps Updated Use Layers Download Applications from Trusted Stores If your mobile is still not secured with cybersecurity measures, take action now! If you are not sure where to begin, contact us or email us at . Computing Australia has over two decades of experience helping various clients secure their systems and business from cyber-threats. Our cybersecurity experts are 24/7 ready to assist you with any cybersecurity issues. Jargon Buster Browser – An application for accessing information on the Internet. Article originally published on 02/02/2021Revised by Blake Parry on 19/04/2021Added new section: Why are mobile devices vulnerable and how it affects businesses? Added new terms to Jargon Buster Phones in the office are threatening your business and you may not even realize it.
To many companies, the rise of mobile devices is a great thing. Business can be done quicker, more efficiently, and with less paperwork.
Mobile devices in general aren’t as secure as computers. The same security measures that companies use for workstations and servers usually aren’t in place for mobile devices. Because of this, mobile devices may not be protected by things like firewalls, encryption, or antivirus software. SEE ALSO: Top 5 Security Vulnerabilities Every Business Should Know Yet more employees are using mobile devices to gain access to sensitive information. This puts their company more at risk for data theft. Most businesses have corporate resources available from employee devices. Should any of these devices be compromised by malware, sensitive information could be captured.A lot of the risk depends on how your mobile environment is set up and how your employees can access sensitive data. Unless you have policies and controls in place regarding mobile devices, your employees are probably accessing sensitive information from their mobile devices, information that can be stolen by malware. SEE ALSO: Stop Looking for a Mobile Security Standard But how does the malware get on your phone? Here are 5 ways your mobile device can get malware. How do mobile devices get malware?1. Downloading malicious appsThe most common method hackers use to spread malware is through apps and downloads.The apps you get at an official app store are usually safe, but apps that are “pirated,” or come from less legitimate sources often also contain malware. These are apps that appear to be legitimate, but instead contain spyware or other types of malware.Occasionally an app with malware will make it through to an official app store. One recent example is InstaAgent, an app that stole Instagram user credentials and sent them to a third-party server without the knowledge of the user. These apps are usually discovered and taken care of quickly, but they illustrate what can happen.Sometimes developers will use pirated development tools, which have been compromised. Everything developed using these tools will then contain malicious code, which may steal sensitive data or damage the mobile device. WATCH: How to Know if an App is Secure Be choosy when downloading apps, and download only from reputable app stores. That usually prevents you from coming across malware-infected apps.
Just like on your computer, avoid opening suspicious emails on your phone. SEE ALSO: 7 Ways to Recognize a Phishing Email If you’re accessing insecure websites, you run the risk of exposing sensitive data transmitted from your device. You’re also more susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks, and being exposed to malware. Avoid using insecure websites and Wi-Fi networks, and consider using antivirus protection and a VPN on your phone to secure Wi-Fi communication.The browser itself on your phone could also be a source of vulnerabilities. This can lead to web browser attacks. Attacks like these are more common on android devices. Make sure you have the most current version of whatever browser you use.You may get a text message or a voicemail from what appears to be a legitimate source asking for personal information either about you or your device.Hackers often use this information to steal whatever data they can, including social security numbers, credit card data, etc. They may even be able to use it to make a targeted attack to install malware on your phone.Whenever you get a text like this, call the company on their legitimate phone and verify with them. Never give out sensitive information through a text. Sometimes even replying to a text can be dangerous, so you should immediately delete any suspicious texts and attempt to contact the company directly. SEE ALSO: Reverse Phone Lookup
Even though mobile devices can be hard to fit into a traditional network or data security model, they need to be considered. It's critical to include them in your information security planning! David Page is a Qualified Security Assessor and has been with SecurityMetrics for six years. He has over 18 years experience in network and system engineering, design, and security.
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