Mobile Malware Targets — All You Need to Know (Updated)

The device most people carry around with them all day is swiftly becoming one of the biggest threats around. A mobile device, SmartPhone or tablet. With criminals continuously looking for soft targets and with society putting so much trust in their phones, it was bound to happen sooner or later: cyber hackers are launching attacks, such as malware, on individuals and industries using mobile techniques. And it’s happening more and more.

What do you need to know to protect yourself, staff and your business?

Interesting Stats

The necessity for enhanced malware security can clearly be seen when you look at recent statistics. For example, over 35% of all companies experience malware attacks, specifically via mobile, at some point in time. Mobile malware attacks are becoming more prevalent. Now, with more individuals using devices for work purposes, it’s not a security threat that industries can ignore anymore. Also, consumers need to understand that they’re targets too.

Even security features don’t keep you absolutely safe anymore. A lockscreen is an effective first line of defence. But hackers are getting better at their craft.

Why Malware?

Over the past few years, information about malware attacks were freely available. Many became aware of how important it is to protect computers against the attacks because hackers are after their data.

But now the focus is mobile too and stealing data is NOT the only reason malware is launched. Not knowing the goals of hackers means many people aren’t aware of how they’re sitting targets. Criminals’ intentions may seem unclear at times, but these malware actions all add to their plans:

• Opening a back door: An app may pass the safety checks of your phone and even an app store. However, hidden in the form of C&C (Command-and-control), the problematic code will be launched later on when the app starts being used. You may activate the code without even knowing it and then the hackers have a back door to your data, personal information and even control of your phone.
• Productivity problems: A hacker may simply wish to disrupt workflow. In extreme cases a device may have to be replaced, causing unnecessary expenses. This can lead to considerable losses for industries reliant on software and mobile apps. Malware can block devices from going online, slow down productivity or drain battery life.
• Staying hidden: Malware can be smartly designed, simply for it to stay undetected. There can be layers in a malicious app, so at first there’s no sign of risk. Store and phone security won’t pick up on the problem. Once the app is installed on the phone, it can open back doors so hackers can gain access to many aspects of the phone or user information.
• Locking you out: A hacker may want to lock out a user in order to gain control of a device, or simply to create chaos.
• Spying: A hacker may take control of the smartphone camera or microphone to look and listen in sensitive locations.

You can see that malware comes in many forms. Many of them your average security features won’t pick up on. Installing new apps? Make sure it’s trustworthy because you often won’t notice a problem until it’s too late. This makes it important for users to think twice before simply pushing those buttons.

What Can You Do?

As with every previous cyber threat the world has seen, there may not be a quick, complete solution. But there is a lot consumers and companies can do:

• Train yourself and your people: Consumers and employees must know how to identify possible malware attacks so you can take swift action and limit the damage.
• Layer your security: You can’t rely on only one security feature. For example, add VPNs along with your anti-malware software.
• Monitoring: Mobile security isn’t a one-time action, but a continuous process. You must monitor how devices perform, do regular device clean ups and update software to lower the risk of being a victim.
• Limit access: Take a hard look at what your employees are allowed to do with company and employee-owned devices. Are they allowed to copy emails to it? Files? What happens to that data when the employee leaves or the device is lost?
• Consult with experts: There are valuable tools and services on today’s market that make it a little more effortless to keep your business’ network & devices safe. Outsource to save yourself time while having peace of mind that all is taken care of by pros.

For as long as there is technology, the internet and new innovations, there will be those who want to use it for underhanded schemes. It’s important that society gets into the habit of always being vigilant and considering each decision they make when using mobile devices.

If you need assistance to safeguard your device or company infrastructure, don’t wait any longer, contact our team.