Smartphone usage has increased immensely in the last ten years, and so has the number of cybersecurity threats facing mobile devices. Smartphones and tablets face an array of threats as cybercriminals rush to exploit the numerous vulnerabilities found in these devices. Vulnerabilities can result from poor security practices from the users but can also be the result of inadequate technical controls. Here are 3 Common mobile security threats users face.
The average person might scoff at burning through their cellular data when free Wi-Fi is available, but public Wi-Fi networks might cost you in other ways. Public Wi-Fi connections pose one of the greatest mobile security threats. These Wi-Fi connections tend to be unsecured and can lead to the theft of personal information such as banking credentials, passwords, contacts, etc.
Social engineering attacks attempt to psychologically manipulate people into divulging sensitive information or making security mistakes. Phishing is the most common form of social engineering attack. Mobile devices are an easy target for phishing attacks as they are always turned on. Hackers can easily gain control of the device by embedding a malicious link in an email or text message.
Data leaks pose a serious cybersecurity threat for smartphone users. Mobile apps are the biggest culprits. Some smartphone apps send user data to a remote server where it’s collected by advertisers and cybercriminals. Unintentional data leaks from ‘riskware’ apps present a major cybersecurity risk for mobile users who grant apps permissions without checking security.
There are many mobile security threats out there, these 3 are just the ones you’re most likely to face. Now that you are familiar with some of the most common threats out there, it’s time to improve your mobile security. Here are 5 ways to secure your mobile device against these threats.
Antivirus programs are designed to detect and remove malicious programs. These programs are typically used to protect computers and laptops from online threats, but your mobile device can benefit from antivirus, too. Smartphone antivirus software can protect your device against malware and hacking attempts.
Use a VPN to add an extra layer of security to your mobile device. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the most common ways to secure your mobile devices and browse the internet without fear. It routes your connection through a different server to mask your online activity and can also encrypt data, concealing your web traffic hackers and snoops.
Smartphones and tablets are easy to lose or misplace. In most cases, lost or stolen devices end up in the hands of cybercriminals who may try to break into them and steal information. Encryption makes the data stored in your device unreadable, protecting it from hackers. Most recent mobile devices come with encryption features built-in.
Using strong, unique passwords will make it harder for cybercriminals to hack into your device. Use different passwords for all your applications. That way, even if hackers crack one of your passwords, they won’t have access to all your apps. Also, set a strong passcode for your device to keep hackers out if you lose or misplace your mobile phone.
Your apps and firmware are also vulnerable to security vulnerabilities. Keep your software including your antivirus, social media apps, and operating system up to date. Updating your software regularly ensures the best protection against emerging mobile security threats. Set your device to update automatically to ensure that you are always running the latest versions.
Mobile security threats have not only increased in number but also the severity. The increasing sophistication in smartphone cybersecurity threats is particularly alarming given that most users don’t even take the basic security precautions. Users ought to be aware of the various mobile security threats they are facing and take the necessary security measures to effectively secure their mobile devices against these threats.
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