Mobile Malware Increased 500% in 2022
Cybersecurity researchers recently uncovered an alarming mobile statistic. During the first few months of 2022, mobile malware attacks surged by 500%. This spike is alarming both in scale and because many people aren’t yet protecting smartphones.
For years, mobile phone evolution gave them more and more power. They now function much like a computer – just with a much smaller screen. For whatever reason, people tend to secure their computers better than they do their smartphones.
This is a behavior that needs to change fast. Over 60% of digital fraud now occurs through mobile devices. Their ease and portability makes them highly risky if proper safeguards aren’t followed.
Many of these safeguards are the same types of protections you have on your computer. It’s time to start thinking about your smartphone as a mini-computer and keeping it just as secure.
Tips to Improve the Security of Your Smartphone
Use Mobile Anti-malware
Yes, your mobile phone needs antivirus/anti-malware too! After all, it’s a small computer. Malware can and does infect smartphones and tablets. Ensure you have a reliable mobile anti-malware app installed.
Always beware of freebies. Freebies are great when you’re talking about food, but not security apps. Malware is often hidden inside free apps, ironically often those that are supposed to make you more secure.
Don’t Download Apps from Unknown Sources
Only download mobile apps from trusted sources. Never download outside the interface of a main app store. Trusted app stores include places like:
- Apple App Store
- Google Play
- The Microsoft Store
- Amazon Appstore
Research the app developer online to make sure they have a good reputation. Once you download a dangerous app to your phone, that app can infect it with malware. That malware can remain behind even if you delete the app later.
Don’t Assume Email is Safe
Many people prefer checking email on their phone rather than PC because it’s so handy. But they have a false sense of security about the safety of emails when viewed on a mobile device.
Never assume an email is safe just because you’re not on your computer. Be just as wary about unexpected emails and scam emails masquerading as legitimate.
It’s difficult to hover over a link without clicking when on a smartphone. If you see something questionable and want to check the link, open the email on your PC where you can do that.
Beware of SMS Phishing (aka “Smishing”)
In March of 2022, text spam outpaced robocalls. As a business phone provider, we’re here to tell you, that’s a very high bar. Unwanted text messages rose by 30%, ten percent higher than robocalls. Many of those spam texts are smishing.
Smishing is the texting version of phishing. You get these random texts containing malicious links. A hacker can breach your device if you click them. The message may also ask you to text back personal information, such as pretending to need you to “log in”.
Be on the lookout for text messages that don’t quite make sense. For example, getting a shipping notification when you haven’t ordered anything. Also, beware of texts from unknown sources.
Phishing via text message is a growing concern. It’s also one that most people aren’t aware of yet, so they often get caught in its trap.
Remove Old Apps You No Longer User
Approximately 2.6 million apps haven’t had an update in a year or more. Apps are often abandoned by the developer. This can leave security vulnerabilities on your device. Hackers seek out these types of vulnerabilities to exploit. If they aren’t addressed, then they remain a danger.
Go through your device and remove old applications that you are no longer using. There is no reason to keep them around, potentially leaving your device at risk.
Additionally, look at the time of the last update. If it’s over a year, then you may want to consider replacing that app with something more current. App updates often include security-related items. It’s not good when a year or more goes by without the developer making any type of update to the app.
Keep Your Device Updated
Speaking of updates, you also need to keep your device’s operating system updated. Are you using the current version of Android or iOS? Not installing updates can mean your phone has vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities allow hackers to breach your data.
Automate updates as possible. If you have a company with several devices, then it’s a good idea to include your phones on a managed IT services plan.
Use a VPN When on Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi is dangerous. Most people understand that, but many connect to it out of necessity anyhow. You may worry about going over your data plan allotment. Or your mobile carrier reception may be slow. Both cases are reasons people opt to connect to unsecured public hot spots.
You can connect to public Wi-fi with less risk if you use a VPN application. VPNs stand between your device and the internet. They route your data through a secure server. This keeps it away from prying eyes that may be lurking on that public Wi-Fi.
Why Is This Published By A Business Phone Company?
Here at NoContractVoIP, we believe that your success is our success. And, since we specialize in business communication, we also want to help you communicate better while staying safe. We create the cutting edge communication systems that modern companies need.
To talk to a business phone system specialist, call 866-550-0005 or contact us today.
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