There are a host of things that pose a threat to your phone and these can be caused by several factors. With the number of mobile device security threats increasing, it is crucial, now more than ever, to stay alert and adopt the necessary safety measures to protect your phone.
In this article, we will discuss some of the most common mobile device threats and how to battle them. Let’s dive in.
Common Mobile Device Threats
Here are some of the most common mobile device threats that could potentially harm your phone and how to battle them:
Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks are, perhaps, the most common threat to your phone. These can occur as a result of constant access to your email app. Most times, we click open and read emails without giving it much thought, but cybercriminals can easily access your device through your email.
How To Battle Phishing Attacks
There are tons of options when it comes to securing your phone against this menace, but, hands down, one of the best ways to ensure that your phone is protected at all times from phishing attacks is to prioritize your mobile security. You should always avoid clicking on unfamiliar email links. If an email looks unfamiliar or suspicious, it is always best to avoid clicking on it no matter how urgent the email may seem. As long as you don’t open suspicious emails, your device will remain secure and hack-proof.
Data Leakage
Data leakage is often caused by free mobile apps which covertly send your data to a third party, and this can make you vulnerable to cybercriminals. Data leakage can also occur as a result of mobile malware programs. These malware programs often use distribution codes compatible with mobile operating systems like iOS and Android. This allows such malware programs to send sensitive information across corporate networks without raising suspicions.
How To Battle Data Leakage
To avoid data leakage, make sure that you grant permission to apps that you completely trust. Avoid apps that request more information than usual. If an app is requesting sensitive data about you, there’s a good chance that it’ll be a potential threat to your phone.
Unsecured Wi-Fi
We get it – it can be quite tempting to use public Wi-Fi networks, but you might be setting yourself up for big trouble by connecting to free Wi-Fi networks. The truth is that most free Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, and this can leave your device vulnerable to hackers. Many hackers set up “free Wi-Fi networks” to lure mobile device users, and when you connect to such networks, the hackers have direct access to your device and can dig up data and sensitive information about you.
How To Tackle Unsecured Wi-Fi
The best way to deal with this type of threat is simple – avoid using public hotspots or free Wi-Fi networks, no matter how secure they may seem. If you are going to use free Wi-Fi, use it sparingly on your mobile device. Don’t use it to access confidential sites such as your bank app or credit card information.
No doubt, cybercriminals are getting smarter and as such, mobile device security threats continue to increase and evolve. This is why it is crucial to have a reliable internet security service or strictly adhere to the security measures discussed in this article.