Increasing use of mobile as an attack vector

The mobile or smartphone is a communication device that has evolved greatly during the 21st century. Smartphone production is a giant business and its stakes have taken over various economies. Along with these devices comes the applications and software which must also be produced. As the smartphone manufacturers keep growing so do the software and application manufactures. Both these industries work together for the greater good of the communications realm. In the midst of all this growth, there is also a growing threat, cyber-crime through mobiles as an attack vector. It has been identified worldwide that nine out of ten persons owns a smartphone device in the developed countries while in the developing ones it is seven out of ten persons. In reality, the mobile device is a better playground for cyber criminals to stage their attacks.
Why the increase of mobile threats?
In 2014 Kaspersky mobile security detected close to 3.5 million pieces of malicious software on an estimate 1 million mobile devices. By 2017 and 2018 this figures had increased leaving 2020 no chance of surviving the untamed growth. One question remains, why an increased cyber-attack on smartphone and mobile devices? Surveys show that various businesses and non-profit ventures are conducted across computers and mobile devices. Many users have also developed the habit of using company and organization apps on their smartphones as opposed to visiting their websites. Even bank accounts don’t stand a chance since these businesses have also launched their apps and are actively sensitizing their customers to use them. Such habits are attracting cyber criminals and have become an open door for them to introduce malware, spyware and even ransom-ware.
Are anti-virus applications safe?
There was once a time when all the cyber security we needed depended on the type of anti-virus used to protect your computers, mobiles and even network systems. Today, anti-virus production has become a booming business. Whispers have it that the same anti-virus producers are the ones linked with the creation of malware for the purpose of marketing and selling their products. This is the currents trend, you buy anti-virus software today and tomorrow it becomes obsolete because a more stubborn piece of malware is attacking computers and mobile devices. Adding on further, we must also consider the fact that not all user applications available for download are genuine. Some of these apps are really gimmicks with a whole load of malware attached to them.
What can be done to curb the cyber threats on mobile devices?
• Build your defence
Buy and install genuine anti-virus software that guarantees you long-term use against a handful cyber threats. Do not purchase or download anti-virus from unsecured links as this increases the chances of downloading malware.
• Use firewalls and encryption codes for Point of Sale devices
This is ideal for businesses and organizations that make purchases or receive payment for sales across computer and mobile devices. Firewalls are great at detecting malicious activity, once detected you have an opportunity to combat the problem through antivirus software. On the other hand, encryption codes allow us to figure out whether the sites we are visiting are genuine or not.
• Avoid using unsecured Wi-Fi
Lots of people love free Wi-Fi but in most cases it’s usually an open door that invites cyber-attacks on your computers as well as mobile devices. If you do not have strong system protection installed on your devices please do not use free Wi-Fi.