top of page

Mobile Malware Has Increased 500% – What Should You Do?

  • Writer: Christian Cooper
    Christian Cooper
  • Mar 7, 2023
  • 4 min read

Updated: Jan 20


A person coding on his smartphone and laptop


Cybersecurity researchers reported a 500% rise in mobile malware attacks in early 2022. This is worrying since most smartphones still do not have strong protection.


Mobile phones now do much more than make calls. They have many features like computers, and we take them everywhere. Yet, we often protect our computers more than our phones, even though our phones store a lot of sensitive information.


Over 60% of digital fraud now happens through mobile devices. Everyone should take steps to protect themselves and their information from this growing risk.


Treat your smartphone like a mini-computer and keep it safe. Set up the same security measures you use on your computer, so you can use all its features with confidence.


Is your smartphone secure?


Use Mobile Anti-malware


With so many apps on your phone, it can be vulnerable to harmful software that can cause damage or steal information. Protect yourself by installing an anti-malware app and using its security features. This can give you peace of mind.


Protect yourself and your mobile device from malicious malware with a reliable anti-malware app! Your phone is just as vulnerable to viruses, so don’t let the cybercriminals win – keep your data safe by securing it at all times.


Be wary of the apps you download!


To keep your device safe, always get mobile apps from trusted sources. Avoid download sites that do not use a main app store, such as the App Store, Google Play, or Amazon.

  1. Apple App Store

  2. Google Play

  3. The Microsoft Store

  4. Amazon Appstore


Protect your phone against potential threats by doing some due diligence before downloading anything. Research the app developer to ensure that they have a trustworthy reputation; being careless with downloads could lead to malicious malware lingering on your device, long after you think it’s gone for good!


It’s important to remember that email is not always secure


It is convenient to check emails on your phone, but it is not always as secure as using a computer. Sometimes, it can even create more security risks.


Be careful with emails that look legitimate. Cyber criminals can send messages that seem real but contain scams. Always stay alert when you get unexpected electronic messages.


Trying to find out if a link is safe on your smartphone can be tricky. Instead of taking the risk, you’re better off viewing suspicious emails from the comfort and safety of your PC – that way it’s easy to hover over links without having them automatically open!


Protect yourself from the dangers lurking in your inbox


Unwanted messages increased sharply in March 2022, with text spam rising by 30%. Many of these messages were smishing attempts. Robocalls also grew by 20%, but not as much as text spam.


Watch out for smishing. Hackers can use harmful links or requests for personal information in texts to access your device. Protect yourself by being careful with these messages and avoid clicking suspicious links.


Be alert for suspicious text messages, whether they come from unknown sources or seem unexpected. Staying cautious can help you avoid scams.


Text message phishing is a surprisingly common threat, yet many are still unaware of how to protect themselves from such malicious attempts. It’s important to be aware and stay vigilant in these moments as one wrong click can lead you down the rabbit hole!


Clear the clutter from your device!


With over 2.6 million apps no longer getting updates, hackers have a wide array of potential targets to exploit. The dangerous security vulnerabilities that can arise from these outdated programs are still waiting to be addressed; leaving many devices open and vulnerable if they aren’t patched soon!


Clean out your device and make sure it is up-to-date! Get rid of any unused apps that are taking up space; they might be leaving you vulnerable to online threats. Be proactive in keeping your technology secure by regularly eliminating unnecessary content.


Old apps can be a security risk. If an app has not been updated in over a year, think about replacing it with a newer version. Updates often include important security fixes, so avoid keeping outdated apps on your device.


Make sure your device is regularly updated


Keep your device’s operating system updated. Use the latest version of Android or iOS. Without updates, your phone may have security gaps that hackers can use. Set updates to run automatically if possible. Businesses with many devices should consider managed IT services.


Use a VPN When on Public Wi-Fi


Even with the danger, public Wi-Fi is an enticing option. Many turn to it as a way of avoiding data limits or subpar reception from their mobile carriers. Although risky, sometimes taking that risk outweighs other considerations for some individuals seeking Internet access on the go.


Use a VPN to protect your data wherever you go. It routes your connection through a secure server, stopping others from accessing your information on public Wi-Fi. Many VPNs are free and add extra privacy and safety.


Protect your data with mobile security solutions


Protect your phone from threats before they cause harm. Our automated systems can help keep your device, accounts, and data safe. Contact us today! for a personalized consultation to ensure you have the security you need.

Comments


bottom of page