Top 5 Mobile Device Cyber Attacks You Should Look out for
There’s no doubt that mobile devices are now being used to perform work activities, just as much as traditional computers.
However, people are forgetting to keep their mobiles secure and protected from threats.
Here are the top 5 mobile device cyber attacks you should look out for and how to avoid them.
1. Mobile Malware Hidden in Apps
Sometimes, it can be near enough impossible to tell whether an app is legitimate or has hidden malware inside.
Scammers will create a convincing looking application, with good looking graphics and even a high star rating. Once the app has been opened for the first time, the hidden malware will infect the device.
The best way to make sure you don’t get caught out by this trick is to download apps only from the official app store on your device. If you’re about to download an application that isn’t fully verified or by a highly rated publisher, make sure your mobile device has some kind of security software such as Bitdefender Mobile Security or AVG Anti-Virus.
2. Unprotected Communications
Have you ever sent someone a password or credit card details over a text message or messaging app? Did you check to see if the communication was encrypted?
When using your mobile device for messaging, make sure the application and messages are encrypted. This makes sure that you and the recipients are the only people who can see the messages.
The best apps that for encrypted communication are WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.
3. Public Wi-Fi Connections
Although public Wi-Fi is known to be unsecure, people still choose to connect to it when available.
Hackers can set up fake networks that look legit. It might seem like you are connecting to a coffee shop’s free Wi-Fi when you’re actually connecting to a fake network and giving the hacker access to everything you do.
To avoid this, we recommend using your mobile data, whenever you’re signing into something or purchasing something whilst out and about.
4. Non-Updated Devices
Approximately, 40% of Android devices are running outdated versions that no longer receive important security updates.
A mobile device that isn’t kept up to date is more vulnerable to hackers who try to exploit and take advantage of code vulnerabilities within the OS or apps.
Make sure all your applications and especially your mobile’s operating system are up to date, as they may include vital security patches.
5. Public USB Charging Stations
Juice jacking is a cyber attack on mobile devices that many people don’t know about.
Public USB charging stations have become an easy place for hackers to you as they’re inviting sights, especially when your phone battery is low. Hackers will infect public USB ports with malware and set up fake charging stations. Once your phone has been plugged in, the malware will copy all your data and/or infect it.
It’s best to avoid all public USB charging ports and charge using your own power adapter. You can also purchase “charge only” USB cables if a cord is your only charging option.
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