Mobile phones and tablets are typically used for daily communication, web browsing, and access to a wide variety of apps. They are easier to carry about and are universally usable. Many tasks that were once completed with conventional computers are now being completed via mobile devices.
The importance of mobile devices in many organizations’ IT infrastructures is growing. These devices are the most practical option for many workers due to the increase in remote work brought on by COVID-19. Mobile gadgets do, however, also pose serious security vulnerabilities. Mobile security is a big problem for enterprises as they use their mobile devices as “essential infrastructure”: 54% of organizations believe that their mobile devices are less secure than traditional endpoints.
Around 2.5 million users mistakenly downloaded several mobile adware apps in 2020, and 36.5% of enterprises were affected by mobile malware. 
When it comes to security, it’s important to consider treating mobile devices the same way you do laptops. The same security measures are required for both smartphones and tablets, including:
- Antivirus/anti-malware
- DNS Filtration
- OS and App Upgrades that are automated
- Supervised backup
Top 5 Mobile Device Attacks
Different levels of attack are possible against mobile devices. This covers the potential for malicious apps, network-level assaults, and the exploitation of holes in the hardware and mobile operating system.
Mobile devices are getting more and more attention from cybercriminals as their importance rises. As a result, the types of cyber threats targeting these devices have expanded. You need to be aware of the most common mobile device attacks that could expose or breach your data. Below are the top 5 Mobile Device Attacks you need to be aware of:
- Hidden Mobile Malware in Apps
It can be challenging to identify between a free app that is authentic and one that contains malware. The app might just have a high star rating and scammers employ the same kinds of dazzling images. The app might even carry out the tasks it promises to when downloaded. However, malware can be installed in the background and begin attacking a device as soon as it is done. On your phone or tablet, many of these apps will also automatically hide themselves by using the icon of a standard system app by default, such as settings. Ransomware, adware, spyware, trojans, and other malware that can infect a computer are all examples of mobile malware. - Unsafe Communications
Have you ever used a messaging app or text message to send someone a password or credit card information? Was the communication encrypted? Unaware of how secure some communication channels are, many consumers will use them from their mobile devices. If confidential information is sent over a network without being encrypted, a hacker might intercept it. - MitM & Public Wi-Fi Attacks
Despite being widely acknowledged to be insecure, individuals continue to use public Wi-Fi when it is offered. They desire a faster connection or to conserve their mobile minutes. When using free public Wi-Fi, 75% of users admit to accessing their email. People will also sign into apps (even private ones like online banking) and shop online while providing credit card information. A MitM (Man-in-the-Middle Attack) is quite likely to happen if you’re using public Wi-Fi. This occurs when a hacker joins the same network and searches for targets with unsecured communications. They can then intercept any kind of data that is being transmitted. Utilizing a VPN program will encrypt your data and provide a secure connection to public Wi-Fi. - Inactive Devices
In the neighborhood of 40% of Android smartphones, the operating systems are out-of-date and no longer receive critical security upgrades. It is simpler for a hacker to deploy an attack that takes advantage of a coding weakness in the Operating System (OS) or one of the loaded apps when your mobile device is not kept up to date. Many businesses don’t keep track of how many employees use mobile devices with the most recent operating systems, which increases the danger of a compromise on their networks. Due to the fact that many of these updates contain crucial security fixes, you should make sure that your OS and all of your programs are maintained up to date. - Exploits for OS and devices
Although the top layers of software are frequently the focus of cybersecurity, attacks can also target lower layers of the software stack. Similar to desktops, mobile devices include security holes that can be used by an attacker to compromise the device or the mobile OS. Since they are below and hidden from the device’s security solutions, these exploits frequently cause more harm than higher-level ones.
Conclusion
Businesses need mobile security solutions due to the vast and varied mobile threat landscape. This is especially true given that more and more people are turning to remote work, which makes these mobile devices an essential part of an organization’s IT infrastructure. An efficient mobile threat security solution must be able to recognize and counter a wide range of assaults while delivering a satisfying user experience. If you would like to make sure your employee’s mobile devices that are used for any type of business needs are secure, please contact Frank Stephens at fstephens@onlineCTS.com or 847-894-6304.