top of page

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

Writer's picture: Christian CooperChristian Cooper

Updated: Nov 6, 2024


A person coding on his smartphone and laptop

In a startling discovery, cybersecurity researchers recently revealed that mobile malware attacks had skyrocketed by an astonishing 500% in the first few months of 2022. This is particularly worrying due to the broad lack of protective measures on smartphones today.


Our beloved mobiles have come a long way from the early days of being just used for making phone calls. Modern phones now contain many powerful functions, rivaling that of computers – yet all in the palm of our hands! But it’s strange; we often think more about protecting and securing our desktop PCs than our mobile devices which hold even more sensitive data.


Mobile devices have become the epicenter of digital fraud, with over 60% of fraudulent activities taking place through them. It’s crucial that people take steps to protect themselves and their information from this growing threat.


Keep your smartphone safe just like a mini-computer! It’s time to set up the same security measures you have for your computer, so you can confidently enjoy all its features.


Is your smartphone secure?


Use Mobile Anti-malware


With the hundreds of apps you use every day, your mobile phone can be vulnerable to malicious software designed to cause damage or steal information. Protect yourself by installing an anti-malware app and taking advantage of its powerful security features – now that’s some 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 and secure, always obtain mobile applications from reputable sources. Steer clear of any download sites that don’t utilize 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


With the convenience of being able to check emails on-the-go, many people may think they are safe using a mobile device. However, accessing email through this method is not as secure as we would like it to be and can even open up more security risks than if done from an actual computer.


Don’t be fooled by a malicious disguise! Cyber criminals can send emails that look perfectly legitimate, but they could still contain dangerous scams. Always remain vigilant and don’t let your guard down whenever you receive unexpected messages electronically.


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 communication soared in March of 2022 – text spam was the biggest offender, with a staggering rise by 30%. Digging deeper into these messages revealed that many were sneaky smishing attempts. Though robocalls also grew in number at an impressive rate of 20%, they couldn’t keep pace with their texting counterparts.


Beware of smishing! A hacker can use malicious links or requests for personal information that come through text to gain access to your device. Protect yourself by being mindful when you receive these messages, and don’t click any suspicious-lookinglinks.


Keep a sharp eye out for suspicious text messages, whether they are from unknown sources or appear to be something that you haven’t requested. Don’t let yourself fall victim to any potential scams – stay one step ahead of the hackers!


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.


Stale apps can be a security risk – if an app hasn’t been updated in over 12 months, consider swapping it out for something more up-to-date. Security patches and other improvements are often included with updates even after the initial launch of an app; don’t let your devices linger on old versions!


Make sure your device is regularly updated


Speaking of updates, you also need to keep your device’s operating system updated. Are you using the current version of Android or iOS? Not installing updates can mean your phone has vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities allow hackers to breach your data. Automate updates as possible. If you have a company with several devices, then it’s a good idea to include your phones on a managed IT services plan.


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.


Protect your data no matter where you go with a VPN! By routing your connection through a secure server, it prevents others from accessing sensitive information on public Wi-Fi. A free service that adds an extra layer of privacy and safety – what’s not to love?


Protect your data with mobile security solutions


Protect your phone from malicious threats before they can damage it. Our automated systems are ready to safeguard your device, accounts, and data – so don’t wait any longer! Get in touch with us today for a personalized consultation that ensures you have the security protection needed.

0 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page