In today’s digital era, mobile devices have become an important part of our lives. But do you know that hackers are also eyeing your smartphone? Phishing, malware, fake apps, insecure networks and outdated software updates – all these can put your data at risk. According to the Pew Research Center, 90% of people in America use smartphones. But most mobile devices are deprived of the necessary protection related to cyber security.
Many companies provide BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) and COPE (Corporate-Owned, Personally Enabled) facilities to their employees, but still the possibility of cyber attack remains. Therefore, it is important that we know and adopt ways to protect against cyber attacks on mobile devices.
Phishing attack – The biggest cyber threat
Phishing is the most common method of cyber attack. In this, hackers deceive people through fake emails, messages or calls and steal sensitive information.
How does a phishing attack happen?
- Email phishing – Trapping the user by sending fake business emails.
- SMS phishing – Sending fake links through SMS.
- Voice phishing – Obtaining personal information by making fake calls.
- Social media phishing – Deceiving people by creating fake profiles on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn.
Got it.
How to avoid phishing?
- Do not click on suspicious emails and messages.
- Ignore calls from unknown numbers.
- Take cyber security training and make others aware.
- Use MTD (Mobile Threat Defense) tools.
Threat of malware and fake apps
Malware i.e. virus, spyware, Trojan etc. can steal your mobile data.
How do fake apps spread?
Many times hackers create fake apps and upload them to Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Some apps can steal your data if downloaded from third-party websites.
Prevention methods
- Always download apps from the official Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
- Use MDM (Mobile Device Management) tool to block suspicious apps.
- Install antivirus and MTD tools on your phone.
Insecure Wi-Fi and network spoofing
If you use free Wi-Fi, be careful! Many times hackers cheat users by creating fake Wi-Fi networks. This is called “Man-in-the-Middle Attack”.
How does a Wi-Fi attack happen?
- Hackers create fake SSID (Wi-Fi network name) and add users to it.
- When you connect to this network, your data can be stolen.
Ways to protect yourself
- Connect only to trusted Wi-Fi networks.
- Use VPN (Virtual Private Network) in your phone.
- Check the name and security of the network before connecting to Wi-Fi.