Seems like everywhere you turn, there’s news of another mobile security breach. Just recently, new iOS exploit that gain access to your private data. Meanwhile, on the Android side, a Linux bug left 1.4 billion users vulnerable to hijacking attacks. The vulnerability allows attackers to terminate connections and, if the connections aren’t encrypted, inject malicious code or content into users’ communications. These hacks aren’t happening in a vacuum, it is due to the general rise in mobile usage around the world, the reality is that as more and more people use their phones to go online, more cybercriminals will hear the call.
Mobile malware on the rise
“Mobile malware has been on the rise drastically in the last couple of years,” says Dvir Levi, CEO, Co-founder at Scorpiones. In addition to an increased volume of people turning to their phones as the primary means for going online, there’s also an increase in using mobile devices for storing and transmitting sensitive data. The 2018 BankRate Report also shows a full 63 percent of smartphone users have at least one financial app. We hope this information will make you more aware of the dangers in smartphones, but we won’t leave you without 10 tips to stay secure.
Ways to stay secure
So, what does this mean for mobile phone users? It means that it’s even more important to stay vigilant about security awareness when using a mobile device. Here are some ways you can protect yourself, your data, and your phone.
Lock your phone with a password or fingerprint detection. At the very least, if you leave your phone on the counter at Starbucks or if it’s stolen out of your pocket, cybercriminals will have to get through that first gate. Set the time on your password lock to be short as well—30 seconds or less should cut it.
If it’s not already the default on your phone, consider encrypting your data, Doing so is especially useful for protecting sensitive data, whether that’s business emails or investing and banking apps.
Set up remote wipe. If your phone is lost or stolen, you’ll be able to wipe all of its data remotely (and therefore keep it out of the hands of criminals). You can often also use a remote wipe in order to find your phone’s location.
Back up phone data. Consider connecting your device to its associated cloud service in order to automatically back up data (and encrypt it). However, if you don’t trust the cloud, be sure you connect to a PC or Mac to sync data regularly in order to preserve photos, videos, apps, and other files.
Avoid third-party apps. If you’re on an iPhone, you don’t have much of a choice. However, for Android users, staying on Google Play and not allowing apps from unknown sources keep you relatively safe.
Avoid jailbreaking your iPhone or rooting your Android. While the processes are different, the end result is bypassing what phone manufacturers intended (including security protocols) and ultimately weakening the security of your device.
Update operating systems often. When that pop-up reminder comes up, don’t ignore it. Charge your phone, clear out some space, and install the update right away.
Be wary of social engineering scams. Cybercriminals love to spoof banking apps, send phony texts meant to collect personal data and email malicious links and attachments.
Use public Wi-Fi carefully. Yes, you don’t want to use up all your data. However, public Wi-Fi is inherently insecure, so try not to make transactions or transmit sensitive data while using it.
Download anti-malware for your mobile device. If you do happen to download a malicious app or open a malicious attachment, mobile anti-malware protection can prevent the infection, Furthermore, avoid installing mobile profiles files that you're not sure.
Worried about your mobile security? Check out our Digital Forensics service for your business or contact us!.
