Hackers are becoming more and more advanced, especially with mobile devices. Let's look at the most dangerous security threats that can damage our mobile, especially if we use them in the business we work for or they are corporate.
- Fake public Wi‑Fi networks
One of the most attractive ways hackers exploit vulnerabilities in mobile devices is through fake wireless networks. While Wi-Fi is fine, especially if it’s a secure private network, users will mistakenly connect to public Wi-Fi without considering the risk. Sometimes, a public Wi-Fi network may seem trustworthy, but it’s actually created to lure users into the network. Even when users are aware of the risks of these unsecured networks, 80% still connect to them.
This practice is particularly concerning given the recent trend of employees accessing corporate applications on personal devices. To avoid disrupting an organization, a strong mobile policy should be in place that restricts employees from accessing corporate data over public Wi-Fi.
- Malware-Ridden Applications
There are many types of mobile malware and ways in which hackers trick users into getting infected. In 2019, some mobile apps represent one of the potential threats that carry malware.
Often, from time to time, employees download apps onto their phones that they believe are from trusted companies. However, the apps are actually fake apps disguised as legitimate ones and of course contain malware. Users probably don’t realize it, but they still download them, enter their personal information, and are infected with malware.
There have been thousands of cases of malicious online applications, and some of them have millions of downloads. A recent report found that attacks from so‑called fake applications have increased by 300%. Businesses should prevent employees from downloading applications from untrusted sources.
- Data leak
Mobile devices are prone to data leaks, and hackers try to take advantage of them. The tricky part about data leaks is that there could be multiple causes for them. Sometimes, corporate mobile apps can be “leaky.” There are also personal apps that inadvertently transmit personal or corporate data to a remote server. Employee negligence (or the case of a disgruntled employee) is sometimes to blame, with employees sending sensitive data electronically to a recipient outside the organization or transferring business data to a public cloud instead of a private cloud.
Data leakage is one of the biggest threats to mobile security in 2019 and businesses must be equipped with the appropriate tools to prevent it. Some solutions allow organizations to stop processes in applications that lead to data leakage. Other organizations limit permissions for applications or certain files in order to curb data leakage.
- SMiShing (SMS – Phishing)
Hackers have relied on phishing scams to steal personal and business data. A common example involves fake emails where users mistakenly reveal details, leading to the theft of sensitive information.
On mobile devices, phishing scams take the form of SMS or text messages that trick users into revealing details, such as passwords. Known as SMiShing, this involves users receiving a message urging them to call a phone number. When the user calls, the phone’s data is easily extracted. Both the user and the organization may not even be aware of the breach, especially if there is no security software being used on the mobile device.
The best defense against SMiShing is to train users not to receive or make calls to unknown numbers that send them text messages on their phone, especially if the phone number appears suspicious.
- Cryptojacking
As one of the fastest-growing mobile security threats of 2019, cryptojacking is so new that there’s a good chance some mobility leaders aren’t even aware of it. Cryptojacking involves hackers exploiting someone else’s device for cryptomining. Meanwhile, the user, of course, is unaware that this is happening on their phone.
The so-called cryptomining of the device affects the technology and could reduce the battery life and overall performance of the device. It can also cause overheating and physical damage to the devices. Given that many employees rely on their mobile phones for work, this is very concerning.
Cryptojacking started with malicious mining applications, although these applications have been banned from stores. However, mobile websites could be the next target. There is no strong solution for encryption, so businesses must train employees to avoid suspicious websites and applications.
