How to secure your organization
As the name suggests, mobile malware is a kind of malicious software exclusively designed to target mobile devices, like smartphones and tablets, to gain access to sensitive user data.
Worldwide mobile users are increasing exponentially, making these intelligent devices the dominant communication medium worldwide. A Statista report states 83.32% of the entire human race uses smartphones. Thus, these devices are fast becoming a growing target for malware attacks.
Though the threat of mobile phone malware may seem more minor now compared to malware that attacks network systems and devices, the volume of attacks is consistently increasing. It will soon become a major cyber crisis worldwide. However, maintenance can quickly deal with mobile malware by staying vigilant and aware.
What is Mobile Malware?
Mobile malware is the mobile version of malicious software intended to infect mobile devices. Mobile malware comes in various forms, and there are numerous ways in which they infect and steal data from smartphones.
Organizations that depend on mobile phones for business or permit staff members and guests to use their devices are especially vulnerable to such attacks.
What are the Different Types of Mobile Malware?
Several types of mobile malware depend on how they are distributed and downloaded. They can seriously damage your device by making your private information available to a nefarious third party.
-
Malware Attack (Mobile Adware)
Malwares are one of the most common forms of mobile malware attacks. Their purpose is to collect data from your device and use it to spam you with ads. They are usually installed without consent in your device through a program. Their targeted data includes your location, passwords, activity on other apps and browsers, and contacts.
-
Drive-by Download Attack
Such an attack happens when you open the wrong email or website. These attacks automatically install elements like cookies to get into your system and then start infecting your device. Drive-by download attacks can contain anything from spyware to adware.
These attacks can also take a more sophisticated approach through a bot that can take admin control of your device and infect it.
-
Virus Attack
A valid application can contain a virus ready to assault your mobile device. These viruses can change your phone’s settings and even take admin control away from you. They can also indulge in more nefarious intentions, such as stealing banking details and passwords.
-
Trojan Attack
A Trojan virus or malware is installed in your device under the guise of a legitimate app.
A dangerous piece of code or software that mimics genuine software but can take over your computer is known as a Trojan Horse. A Trojan aims to harm a network by stealing data from it, causing disruption, or via other malicious activities.
-
Phishing Attack
Using traditional phishing methods, fraudsters send consumers emails that seem to come from a reliable source. This strategy is taken further in mobile phishing, which employs applications to distribute mobile malware. Users frequently need help distinguishing between a simple program and a phony application. They stay in the dark as the false application gathers account numbers, passwords, and other personal information.
-
Browser-Based Attack
Your mobile browser could be better in terms of security. Due to this, several hackers may fully exploit the vulnerabilities of your browser and other browser-based programs like PDF readers.
-
Cryptomining Malware
Through crypto mining, attackers can generate cryptocurrency by secretly carrying out calculations on a victim’s device. The Trojan malware is concealed in legitimate programs but infects your device with malicious software.
How to Prevent a Mobile Malware Attack
While mobile malware is very competent in infecting your system, you can do several things to protect your device from mobile malware infection.
-
Update Apps Regularly
Running the most recent version of apps on your smartphone will guarantee that you have the most advanced security patches and updates installed.
App developers frequently release upgrades to their apps to add additional features and update the security profile. If the app has a vulnerability, the developers can easily bottleneck it and release a new update or version.
-
Use Mobile Security Software
A mobile security app functions like antivirus software while protecting your device against viruses and malware.
-
Use a Firewall
Most phones do not have any firewall security. However, by implementing a series of firewall protocols, you can restrict internet access to only those programs that have been given permission. In addition, these protocols also secure your online privacy when browsing. Thus, ensuring your mobile browser through firewall security is an innovative security move.
-
Screen Lock Protection
Many privacy and security issues arise when mobile devices are stolen or lost. Please ensure the screen is locked, at the very least, with a passcode. Using advanced fingerprint or facial recognition technology for device security is even better.
-
Download Apps Only from Official Stores
All apps accessible through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store have undergone safety checks. Although you have a much better chance of installing a trustworthy program through official sources, that doesn’t imply that no apps will manage to surpass the security measures. It’s always better to download verified apps from these platforms as well.
