Mobile security is a topic increasingly on people’s minds in the modern day, and for good reason. Too often people simply hand over their personal information or data when downloading new games or applications to their phones, or worse, store their information within an application for ease of access in the future. This essentially leaves you highly vulnerable to cyber hackers which, let’s be honest, show no signs of slowing down anytime soon on their quest to gain identities, commit fraud, and access financial information for their gain.
Companies need to do more for their customers and clients so they can have peace of mind that they aren’t opening themselves up to a whole host of trouble in the months to come. The world of cyber security is not something new but it is constantly, and quite quickly so, evolving and revolutionizing the way we manage our online presence.
Unfortunately, when the market is as big and embracing as we know it, this leads to brand competitiveness. Where companies such as 5G, considered as the next generation of mobile networks giant with its promise of lower latency compared to its counterpart 4G, people are making changes and switching providers. But, are these providers safe and keeping our personal information as secure as we expect them too?
Are we aware of their security protocols, safeguarding implementations, and have precautions been set in place or better yet, in motion?
As a brand or application owner, and user, we need to stay one step ahead of the game. Executing a mobile app audit on (our) software using industry experts who know what to look for when it comes to application vulnerabilities and loop holes in the security of an app, is a must in this day and age.
Take for instance the world of IoT (The Internet of Things). This is everything and anything that is considered a device, and with that comes the fact that they possess not only sensors with processing abilities, but are using the software being collected to communicate and share with other devices or systems of the vast expanse we know as the internet, thus leaving us exposed.
The time to act and understand where we could be left open is now, and if you aren’t 100% what that entails then take a look at these curated security threats and what to look out for (and be wholly aware of) so you aren’t caught on the back foot. The main issue is not necessarily the mobile vulnerabilities across security models, but more so the diversity of the operating systems.
Top threats and how to manage them effectively
- Malicious websites and applications
It is safe to say that for majority of people we access the internet at least once a day whether it be on our phones or desktops or laptops. This means, however, that by using our phones to access the internet we are at risk of having data stolen or encrypted and we may not even realize it. Through click scams and ads the cyber trolls gain easy access.
Consider: Using a security blocker against harmful sites, read apps reviews before downloading anything and avoid low scoring apps altogether.
- Mobile ransomware
Similar to what we see in movies where someone or something is taken and held ransom for a set fee to be released, the same goes for our mobile phones and all our information being encrypted until we pay for the decryption key or code.
Consider: Install anti-virus software with end-to-end security. Always limit user access privileges and regularly run security tests.
- Phishing
Unfortunately, the most common threat when it comes to mobile security. Messages, pop ups and emails that contain malicious links, and more so on mobiles leave us most vulnerable.
Consider: Dedicated and specific anti-phishing solutions is your best option. It can not only prevent but detect possible phishing and incoming mail from emails or unknown addresses are quickly red flagged and advised to avoid.
Safeguarding is a necessity
There is no time like the present and whether you are using an android device or an IOS device you can be sure you are at risk, cyber criminals have no preferences and unfortunately, are becoming increasingly sophisticated and good at their jobs.
Work with a reputable and trusted anti-hacking firm such as Tarlogic where you have access to a wealth of cyber security knowledge with years of industry experience behind the team who will help and guide you to a safer security solution across your devices.
