Smartphone use has increased exponentially over the last decade or so, and today, it isn’t easy to even think of someone not owning one. But with the rise in the use of smartphones, threats to their security in the form of malware attacks have also increased.
A whopping 23 percent of Indian organizations deal with this smartphone malware attack. This figure alarms us all.
More alarming is that a smartphone can work almost normally, even under the attack of malware. If you think that everything is okay with your phone, you might also be wrong.
Threats to the Mobile Security System
We have already mentioned that around 23 percent of organizations in India face mobile malware issues per week. This is horrible as the figure is 20 percent globally. This piece of survey shocks us. Clearly, it is a challenge to deal with such malware attacks in India. Most importantly, most people in India are unaware of these malware attacks. This situation deteriorates as the owner does not know an attack on his device.
It Takes Longer to Detect Malware on Mobiles Than a Computer
As per our survey, we have learned that it might take almost a year to detect a data breach on a mobile phone. Well, the situation may of course, vary. Some users have claimed the malware attack was detected within two to five months. But it is enough time for the malware (if it’s designed to do so) to reach your details.
Why is Mobile Malware Difficult to Detect?
We have noticed that most people take their mobile security very lightly, and that’s a big reason behind this. Maybe, you are not the only victim of such malware attacks. A malware attack can take place on a very large number of mobile phones from the same company. The end-users can be individuals or an enterprise. Let’s see which factors act in giving you the headache of malware attacks on smartphones.
How Malware Gets Invited to Mobile Phones?
There are several ways through which malware can enter your mobile devices. Here we have mentioned some of the major causes behind a malware attack.
Through Malicious Apps
Malware generally attacks your devices through malicious applications. Third-party applications are always subject to risk. When you download any application, you should check whether it is genuine. Pirated apps can invite malware to your mobile phones and compromise the security of your device.
Suspicious Mails
Employees are used to replying to corporate mails through their mobile phones. This is a great chance for hackers. They use this habit to infect their mobile phones through suspicious emails to every employee. The malware can enter the mobile device if anyone responds to the email.
Using Insecure Wi-Fi/URLs
Malware may also get into your device through insecure websites. Visiting and browsing unsafe websites are major factors that invite malware to your smartphone. An insecure Wi-Fi connection like a public WiFi may also cause malware attacks on your device.
Through Text Messages or Voicemail
You may receive a text message asking for your details. This text message may seem legitimate but malware can hide behind this text message. Even some voicemails can introduce malware to your mobile phones.
Tips to Survive Malware Attacks on Mobile Phones
A malware attack can be, to a large extent, prevented. All you need to do is follow some preventive measures.
- If you are using an iPhone, don’t opt for jailbreaking. It may raise the chances of a malware attack on your phone.
- You can choose a VPN service that behaves as a tunnel when you use Wi-Fi or other public networks.
- It’s better to download original applications from trusted sources. Also, ensure that the application is not pirated.
- You may opt for the encryption of your data.
- Update the software and hardware of your mobile from time to time.
- If any organization has encountered an attack, the authority can train employees to deal with such situations. They can even launch a policy over mobile phones. This should benefit the organization.
- Don’t respond to suspicious text messages or voicemails.
Hopefully, the guide has helped you discover more about how malware attacks our mobile phones and what you can do to prevent such attacks.
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