Cybersecurity research shows that the number of malware in use is escalating and mobile users are threatened more than ever. Mobile security threats not only impact smartphones but have their impact across all small screen devices including wearable, PDA’s and laptops that are connected to public networks.
On one side the corporate data breaches have cost a total of $3.86 million in 2018 alone, mobile data security is the emerging threat which has a tendency to impact millions across the globe.
Since the mobile security threat atop of its trend, here is a guide to help tech enthusiast and privacy activists to ensure their security with their smart devices and empower their organizations to stay secure and protected in 2019.
Data Leakage and the End-User
The year 2019 will face new challenges upfront in the domain of cybersecurity. While discussing what can cause cybersecurity let’s start with a notable fact. Data leakage is often due to self-carelessness and end-user indiscretion. The user is responsible for giving out permissions to certain applications without thinking if such permission could potentially result in a data breach.
One solution to this issue is to add mobile threat defense which can vet the mobile applications so that they do not result in any breach whatsoever.
Cryptojacking Hacks
Cryptomining also contributes to security threats. Crypto Jacking is the new entrant of the long list of security threats to mobile devices. It involves a person who uses the mobile without the consent and knowledge of the owner for cryptocurrency. In simpler words, it is using someone else’s device without their permission for someone else’s profit.
The phones that are used for Crypto Jacking show the following symptoms;
Low battery lifeOverheating
Cryptojacking was started back in 2017 on desktops, but it grew its roots on mobile devices in 2018. The pace of Cryptojacking attacks slowed down after the Google Play Store and Apple App Store banned all the suspected applications by the middle of 2018.
The Cryptojacking hacks are still alive and running; they are still occurring via the third-party and unofficial application.
Public Wi-Fi – The Easy Target
We have all enjoyed the perks of public Wi-Fi and have ignored its consequences completely. We are all guilty of using public Wi-Fi at cafes and airports but little we do know that they can expose your IP to a middle man (hacker) which can risk all our data.
Cybercriminals can intercept information that can be either your debit card detail or social security number. Even accessing a news website can make you vulnerable while using public Wi-Fi. Some website does not have an SSL certificate and is marked non-safe by Google Chrome. When you visit such a website, it automatically makes you susceptible to hacking and data theft. Moreover, downloadable tools for hacking can leave your personal information and credentials exposed all because of lack of encryptions and using public Wi-Fi.
Phishing Hacks – The Social Engineering Tenure
Phishing attacks are the most common cybercrime technique that is spread via email. Software security firms refer to phishing attacks as “malware-less attacks.” This social engineered method was once restricted to desktops only, but with the evolving technology, it has started to threaten smartphone users as well.
Mobile phone users are more susceptible to phishing threat than desktop users. Since mobile users sync more than one device with a single email; thus, they are more likely to respond to a phishing email than a genuine one. Phishing attacks can be avoided if a person checks the sender’s credentials and identify a fake and phishing email from a genuine one.
Basics of Mobile Security
After all at the end of the day just knowing how to operate your smartphone, laptop or any other device is not enough. You have to take full care of your business information and should ensure the security of your device. Just in case you don’t want to buy a VPN service then never log in to your bank account and financial website, email accounts, and online business while using a public Wi-Fi or an open network. It is easy to ensure your mobile security with security apps, all you have to do is to walk side-by-side with the latest preventive measures to prevent hackers from intruding your system.
Conclusion
The world is going mobile; today mobile users have surpassed desktop users, so it is quite obvious to see the interests of cybercriminals towards mobile users.
This guide highlights how you can stay protected on a mobile device and which security challenges you will face. Every security breach is now a matter of deep concern as with ever-evolving technologies new methods have developed to counter such attacks.
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