Why is Mobile Security More Important than Ever?
Let´s take a look at why mobile security is so important to people and companies. When smartphones and tablets are not adequately protected, they are incredibly vulnerable to exploitation.
Technology has come a long way in a relatively short time. In less than 30 years, we have moved from large brick phones and the emerging Internet to a world of ultra-thin, powerful smartphones, tablets and convertible laptops that can transfer and store data and connect to the Internet at the touch of a button.
These devices offer us more and more connectivity and convenience on the Internet, but also significant security risks. In this chapter we will analyze the causes of the growing threat of mobile cybercrime.
More data can be more dangerous with mobile devices
Not only do we generate more and more data every day, but we also store, share and have access to large amounts of personal and business data, both at home and at work.
And cyber-criminals know that. He turned to smartphones and tablets and appreciated the fact that they could steal more money and more data from their victims in this way.
Security risks are particularly high in the workplace, where smartphones and tablets are increasingly being used in all types of businesses.
This caused IT security administrators headaches in managing and protecting sensitive business data, while attackers saw this development as another way to attract business.
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Cyber attacks on mobile phones are increasing every day
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From Masque to Freak, from Stagefright to CORED and from YiSpecter to Wirelurker, there seems to be no end to malware distribution systems that discover vulnerabilities that not only damage devices but also cause data and money loss.
Data protection has also been questioned, as many of these mobile applications collect and store large amounts of data in the cloud.
The best example is the significant data breach by some celebrities who have used Apple iCloud to host their personal photos. These photos were filtered online, which means the technology giant had to increase security around the images.
Threats have evolved and become more sophisticated
“There are still two main causes of data loss on mobile devices: loss of physical devices and misuse of applications. What has changed is the severity of the consequences,” said Dionisio Zumerle, Research Director at Gartner.
In the health field, for example, more and more doctors are using tablets to process sensitive patient data. In the financial sector, brokers use their smartphones to exchange sensitive information.
The profitability of mobile attacks is clear. By attacking these devices, they can reach and infect more mobile devicecs and earn more money selling their contact information on the black market.
Let’s not forget that these devices contain not only large amounts of data and information, but also identities that can affect other services.
Companies are concerned about the risks of smartphones
Some organizations have banned private mobile devices, while others insist that employees use the devices set up by the company (and provide some level of security in relation to current security restrictions). Needless to say, this policy has led to a significant decrease in activities.
Even if the threat is universal, protection should not be difficult. On the contrary, it is becoming increasingly important in today’s digital world. Make sure you don’t fall behind.