Dealing with Mobile Security Threats: What You Need to Know
Mobile phones and tablets have completely revolutionized the world. Technology has seen incredible growth in recent times, and mobile devices are now more commonplace than ever. They are an inseparable part of our routine lives, facilitating shopping, online banking, entertainment, messaging, and various other needs. But our increased dependency on them has also made us susceptible to mobile security threats, which are continuously rising with each passing year.
Considering the kind of data and information—both personal and professional—we store in mobile devices, their security should remain a top priority. Security threats are now not limited to computers, desktops, and laptops. With the increasing mobile phone and tablet usage, cybercriminals frequently target them to steal data, access contacts and acquire other personal information to create a fake identity.
Awareness about common mobile security threats and ways to deal with them is paramount to keep our data safe and secure.
Types of mobile security threats
There are many ways one's mobile data can be infiltrated. This article details the most common kinds of mobile security threats:
Web-based threats
Almost every mobile device is connected to the internet and has access to various web services. Web-based attacks include phishing, spoofing, and drive-by downloads. Such attacks can happen by visiting compromised web pages and websites that automatically download malicious content. Cybercriminals also use different messaging platforms, such as SMS and email, to send links that extract personal information, like bank passwords and account numbers.
App-based threats
We all have multiple apps on our phones. Installing malicious apps or mindlessly allowing them to access device data makes our mobile devices vulnerable to malware, spyware, and privacy threats.
Network threats
Connecting to free-to-use or unsecured public Wi-Fi networks allow hackers to gain access to unencrypted data.
Physical threats
Our mobile devices accompany us wherever we go. A person is exposed to physical threats when their device is lost, stolen, or left unattended. It gives hackers direct access to everything stored on the mobile device.
How to stay protected from mobile security threats
The range of mobile security threats is diverse and scary. However, it is not impossible to stay safe and protect devices from any security breach. Let's look at a few crucial steps to be on top of the mobile security dangers:
Always keep the software updated to the latest version for protection against mobile security threats.
Don't open links or messages from suspicious or unofficial sites.
Avoid storing potentially sensitive data on mobile phones.
Secure the phone with a passcode or other biometric solutions like face detection and fingerprints for increased protection from physical threats.
Use only well-known or official app stores for Android and iOS to download applications.
Remain careful while granting any app permissions.
Install firewall for protection from digital threats.
Use VPN while connecting to the public Wi-Fi for increased safety.
Avoid keeping the Bluetooth on all the time.
Use reliable anti-virus software on the device to detect and eliminate any threats.
It is not tough to deal with mobile security threats if the user stays alert and informed. It becomes essential, especially for organizations where even a small cyber-attack compromises the data and makes them vulnerable to sensitive information leaks.
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