Smartphones, tablets, and laptops have become indispensable in people’s daily lives, with the average American spending approximately five hours daily on these devices. These devices keep you connected, help you navigate your days, purchase items, pay bills and store a plethora of data. Yet, while we’ve come to rely on these conveniences, we can’t forget that we are vulnerable to cyberattacks and must treat our mobile device security seriously.
More than 80% of small business owners use mobile devices for business at least once daily. With numbers like these, it’s no wonder why research indicates that 22% of small businesses experience a cyberattack related to mobile devices every year. Hackers aren’t just trying to access and steal the valuable data stored on your devices; they can also listen in to your phone calls for all sorts of nefarious reasons.
What are the Common Mobile Device Security Threats?
If you don’t take mobile security seriously, you could be exposed to the following attacks:
Phishing
Mobile phishing involves sending emails or messages that appear to be from a legitimate source to trick mobile users into providing personal information. Cybercriminals can use this information for malicious activities such as identity theft.
Malware
Malicious software (malware) like viruses and ransomware are designed to damage systems and steal sensitive information from mobile devices. In addition, some mobile malware will corrupt files and applications on mobile devices.
Mobile Spyware
Cybercriminals will install spyware on your device without your knowledge or consent, making it difficult to detect and remove. This breach makes it easy for an intruder to listen in on your conversations and gain access to the data stored on your device.
Wi-Fi Hacking
Hackers can gain access to mobile devices through unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Cybercriminals use these networks to steal data from mobile users by intercepting their traffic and monitoring their activities.
Mobile Banking Trojans
Mobile banking trojans are a type of malware designed to target mobile banking applications and steal confidential information such as account information and the ability to transfer funds.
What Can be Done to Protect Against These Threats?
Thankfully, mobile device security isn’t too challenging. You can minimize exposure to various threats by following these security tips:
- Embrace password management tips, including using long passwords that include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Don’t join unsecured Wi-Fi networks. They are open to anyone nearby, making it easy for hackers to intercept mobile user traffic.
- Only download apps from verified sources such as the Apple App Store or Google Play store.
- Always update mobile applications when prompted.
- Encrypt all your mobile devices.
- Back up the data stored on your devices.
- Enable multi-factor authentication to access your mobile devices and accounts
If you’re worried about the security of your business’s mobile devices, contact TCI Technologies to learn how we can help you safeguard your mobile devices.
