How strong is your mobile security?

Mobile phones are a part of our daily life. We clear our minds, transfer money, shop for clothes and groceries, and even work on our phones.

Cybercriminals know it.

Around 60% of all online fraud is committed through mobile devices. Users are most vulnerable to cyber threats when they use their mobile phones.

Let’s discuss what mobile security is and how you can strengthen it.

What is mobile security ?

Mobile security (also mobile device security) refers to the protection of smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices against cybersecurity threats.

In the last 12 months, the market for mobile devices exceeded the desktop and tablet market. Now, 59% of people mainly use their mobile devices.

With the rise of mobile device usage, mobile security became particularly relevant.

Mobile Security Threats: What are the security risks of mobile devices?

On average, one person spends around 3 hours on his phone daily. That accumulates for nearly a month and a half during one year.

Cybercriminals use this time to target users with various fruitful mobile threats. It is easy for hackers to exploit reduced users’ alertness when they are casually scrolling their mobile phones.

So, what cyber threats are users most prone to while on their phones?

Phishing

Social engineering attacks such as phishing and smishing (SMS-based phishing) are the most common attacks that target people on their phones. These attacks aim to steal credentials, money, or valuable financial information (such as credit card details).

Cybercriminals usually send legitimate-looking emails or text messages with fraudulent links. These attacks are now commonly carried out via social media and messaging apps.

Malware

Malware is a hidden, hard-to-detect software designed to gain access to, disrupt, or damage a device. Various types of malware (such as viruses, trojan horses, spyware, etc.) harm devices differently.

You can get infected with malware in multiple ways. One of the most common ways is to surf through hacked websites or download a malicious app.

For instance, if you accidentally download an app from a legitimate-looking app store (instead of an official one), it might contain malware. Alternatively, you can get infected by opening a malicious email attachment.

Insecure (public) WiFi

Free public WiFi poses multiple dangers to unprotected mobile devices like the man-in-the-middle attack and data thefts.

Cybercriminals can exploit insecure connections and capture your login credentials, files, financial data, and personal information.

Privacy violating app permissions

Mobile apps are very prone to privacy violations. Very rarely do people read Terms and Agreements, and they should.

Sometimes users grant such access as a microphone, camera, and file storage. If the app gets compromised, the users’ data might get leaked too.

How can you improve mobile security ?

You can always strengthen your mobile security. Follow these steps to increase the cyber safety level on your mobile device.

• Use anti-malware and anti-virus software.

Not only do laptops and PCs need to be protected with dedicated software, mobile devices too.

Such software warns you about suspicious links, attachments, viruses, or other safety issues. If you get infected with malware, the software can clear the threats.

Review app permissions.

People tend to give too much access to too many apps. Sometimes random, single-use apps can access most information about us. Review the apps on your mobile device, and uninstall ones you do not use anymore.

Then, check which apps can access Facebook, Twitter, or other social media. Keep only the apps that you use frequently and trust.

Use a password manager.

Never keep passwords in your phone notes or Excel sheets. Unprotected plaintext passwords are easy to steal.

Ideally, use a dedicated password manager that stores your passwords in an encrypted vault. In the end, you need to remember a single password to access them all.

Learn to recognize social engineering attacks.

The easiest and most reliable way to protect yourself from social engineering attacks is to recognize them.

Once you understand the psychology behind the attacks, learn to notice the red flags, and distinguish the techniques, you immediately defend against them.

Maintain good password hygiene practices.

Maintaining good password hygiene is the first and most important step in long-term mobile security.

Use only strong passwords. Use only one password per account (never reuse credentials). Never share them in plaintext ( there is a safe way to share a login).

Beware of public WIFi threats.

If possible, never login to a random free WiFi network. If you desperately need to connect, be extra attentive to what you do online.

Therefore, never login to websites, especially finance-related while connected to public wifi. You should always use mobile network data to access password-protected websites.

Mobile security is a habit. Once you start getting into it, it gets easier with time.

The aftereffect is meaningful. You increase mobile safety and reach a high defense level against cyber threats.

Start building those habits today.