Mobile Malware is on the Rise

When considering cybersecurity, it can be easy to overlook the computers that so many of us typically carry with us every day: our smartphones. However, as attacks to mobile devices have risen considerably in the recent past, it is important to recognize the severity of these attacks, as well as how to avoid them.

It only makes sense that cybercriminals would turn their focus to mobile devices. After all, as mobile devices have become more capable, they have become more valuable as targets… and since one doesn’t often think about a mobile device as a vulnerability, it really seems to be a no-brainer that those less scrupulous would be actively targeting them more.

How Much More are Mobile Devices Being Targeted?

According to research compiled by Kaspersky Lab, malicious mobile software was used in attacks 66.4 million times in 2017. In just a year, that number jumped up to 116.5 million attacks, affecting almost 10 million users. Even more disconcerting, there were fewer malware files used… meaning that mobile malware has become better at what it does.

Protecting Your Mobile Device

Keeping your mobile device secure against malware will require you to adopt a few habits.

• Do not download and install applications from any source other than the official app store your device platform uses, for instance, the Google Play Store on Android or the App Store on iOS.
  
  
• Make sure you install system and application updates once they become available from the official app store, as this will help keep your devices protected against vulnerabilities.
  
  
• You should also set your smartphone to block the installation of programs from unknown sources, and make sure that you aren’t bypassing any preset restrictions, as either could leave your device vulnerable. Lean on your IT resource for help with this.

Protecting your IT will require a comprehensive approach. SCW can help you with that. Reach out to us at (509) 534-1530 to learn more about securing your business’ assets.