Smartphone security is very essential, it was reported that several vulnerabilities in smartphones were being exploited by last month. This was carried out by a notorious NSO Group. The Group was also responsible for the development of surveillance software, responsible for reading text messages and emails. Also, responsible for recording sound, collecting passwords, and even locate calls and positions of the users. Mobile phone updates by Google and Apple were released to respond to the vulnerability.
Malware attacking your mobile phone
Google mobile operating system “Android” was also affected greatly by a malware called Linux bug. This left 1.4 billion users vulnerable to various attacks. The attack can terminate connections on the mobile phone if they aren’t encrypted. There’s also an injection of malicious content or code into the user’s communication to retrieve information and other personal data. Nowadays, we have seen quality improvement in smartphone security in tackling these issues.
Nearly two-thirds of their population own a smartphone and more make use of their mobile phone to access the internet instead of their laptop. The more people access the internet from their mobile phone, the more cybercriminals find means to steal important information from the user’s smartphone.
“Mobile malware attacks have increased drastically in the last couple of years. Everything from backdoor malware that steals personal information, to ransomware that locks your mobile phone until payment is done. Has seen a significant rise in the mobile space, Also, millions of malware are in the wild and there is no reason not to be concerned,” says Nathan Collier, Senior Malware Intelligence Analyst at Malwarebytes.
How the attack is done
Nowadays, there’s has been an increase in using mobile devices for transmitting and storing sensitive data. This has also made smartphone security essential. Research shows that 57 percent of smartphone users are using their smartphones for online banking. Online banking applications often require access to data stored on the cloud or your phone. Digital boarding pass in the form of a text message or verification codes for logging into sites, social media apps publish photos and personal data, heart rate, food intake, and fitness and health apps track steps. A cybercriminal can also breach the smartphone to acquire access for logging into those sites.
Ways to secure your smartphone
This process helps you stay vigilant about your smartphone security. Here are ways you can protect your data and your smartphone.
Consider setting up a remote wipe
You can set up a remote wipe; this will assist you in wiping all of your smartphone’s data if it’s stolen or gets lost. You can also use a remote wipe to find your smartphone location whenever it gets stolen or gets lost.
Locking the phone
Ensure you lock your phone with fingerprint detection or password. If your smartphone gets stolen or lost cybercriminal will have to access the phone by bypassing your password or fingerprints. Bypassing the fingerprint detection or password can be tedious to do. You can also set your password lock to 30 seconds or less to secure the phone in case of any theft.
Consider encrypting the phone
You can encrypt your smartphone, by doing so you are protecting sensitive data like banking apps, business emails, investment emails, and more from being exposed.
Avoid third-party applications
Ensure you avoid third-party applications. On Google play, you can disallow applications from unknown sources. This keeps you safe and secure from cybercriminals. If you do decide to use third-party applications, do thorough research on its safety.
Avoid jailbreaking
Kindly avoid jailbreaking or rooting of your smartphone. The result can weaken the security of your device.
Update operating system often
Consider updating your operating system often. Ensure you clear out some space and install the update once it’s available.
Download anti-malware
Make sure you download an anti-malware application to your smartphone. It also helps to keep your smartphone safe, secured, and also prevent an attack from cybercriminals.
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