Security threats to mobile devices are increasing daily, but many remain oblivious to the risks. Comodo Threat Research Labs named top 5 mobile device security threats and ways to protect against them.
- Phishing Attacks use deceptive sites or software programs that masquerade as legitimate ones to steal vital user information like user login credentials and credit card numbers.
- Malware Infections can steal data and eat up computing resources from mobile devices. They can trick users into taking actions that further compromise mobile devices such as hijacking browser sessions, spying on activities and promoting bogus or misleading adware.
- Advanced Persistent Threats are coordinated network attacks hackers use to gain access to an organization’s network and data. APTs can stay undetected for a long time and steal data.
- Untested Mobile Apps, which do not have clear app sources, are vulnerable to exploitation. The primary reason for this is that some users tend to install apps (untested ones) from third-party sources instead of downloading them from regulated app stores.
- Outdated Operating Systems: OS updates are a must to patch the vulnerabilities, but most users do not keep their mobile OS up-to-date. They tend to ignore or block OS updates. It compromises their mobile device security and leaves their devices vulnerable to malware and other security threats.
To prevent these threats,
- Avoid connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks, such as public Wi-Fi hotspots.
- Download apps from trusted sources, such as the Google Play Store and iOS App store, and not from unreliable third-party sources.
- Be wary of unsolicited calls or messages.
- Mitigate mobile device attacks from penetrating the corporate environment.
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