The world of mobile technology is a constant battle between hackers and users, where cybercriminals are constantly creating new tactics to exploit vulnerabilities and compromise sensitive information. Attacks range from phishing, spoofing, and device theft.
Currently, the stakes are higher than ever, as more people are switching to using mobile devices as the preferred method of communication for work and doing work in general. As users embrace the benefits of mobility, businesses must, however, be aware of the pressing need for robust mobile security measures.
The consequences of neglecting mobile security can lead to financial loss, reputational damage, and identity theft, impacting both the individual and the organization. As the digital landscape evolves, the responsibility to safeguard our mobile workforce falls squarely on our shoulders. Achieving comprehensive mobile security is no longer a luxury; it is imperative.
What is Mobile Security?
Mobile security is defined as the tools, software, and infrastructure strategies used to protect mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other portable computer devices, and the networks they connect to, from threats and vulnerabilities associated with wireless computing. It includes the protection data at rest on the local devices, device-connected endpoints, and other network hardware.
As mobile devices continue to become a preferred choice over desktops, they will become a bigger target for attackers. It is a top priority for companies today as mobile devices are necessary for business purposes, as remote workers need to access corporate data, and often do it through unrusted mobile devices and networks. They need an easy-to-use solution that protects their data without negatively affecting employee performance.
Mobile Device Security: A Holistic Approach to an Evolving Threat
What is the Importance of Mobile Security?
Mobile devices and the back-end systems are prime targets for cybercriminals. IT departments need to work to ensure employees know the acceptable use policies, and administrators need to enforce those guidelines. Without comprehensive mobile device security measures, businesses will be vulnerable to malware, data leakage, spoofing, and other mobile threats.
If these threats become realized, it can lead to widespread disruptions in business, loss of reputation, finances, and affecting user productivity if systems must be taken offline.
Common Types Of Mobile Attacks
Spyware
Spyware is a category of malicious software that once installed on the user’s computer, gathers data from the device and user, and then sends it to third parties for profit without their consent. It is one of the most common threats to internet users.
Mobile spyware hides in the background on mobile devices to steal incoming and outgoing SMS messages, call logs, contact lists, emails, browser data, photos and keystrokes. Spyware apps can sometimes control devices via commands sent by SMS messages or remote servers.
Malicious Applications and Websites
Malicious apps and websites designed to steal user data have become a widespread problem. Apps afford an extra layer of dangers that often ask for permission to access different features on your phone, especially when they do not require it, thus giving the attacker even more data. Some websites will also install harmful malware on your mobile device. The most common forms of mobile malware include trojans, spyware, ransomware, and adware.
Unsecure Wi-fi Networks
Connected to public wifi networks poses many risks as hackers can use a multitude of tools to gain information from users. Notably, businesses often do not employ best practices when offering wifi for persons to use, thus leaving the network vulnerable to attack. One common tactic involves hackers setting up wifi networks that seem to be authentic but are a front to steal personal data that passes through their system.
Data Leakage
Data leakage occurs when data gets transmitted from your organization to an external source. This can occur through mobile apps as users may grant them broad permissions but don’t always check security. The applications that perform the malicious actions are often found on the official app store, where it functions as intended, but also sends user information to a remote server where it is then mined by advertisers and cybercriminals.
Additionally, malicious mobile apps with enterprise signatures might also cause data leaks. These mobile malware programs transport sensitive data across business networks undetected by utilizing native distribution codes found in widely used mobile operating systems like iOS and Android.
Out-of-date devices
As with any other forms of technology, mobile devices that are not updated regularly remain vulnerable to threats. Mobile security also requires nonstop work to find and patch vulnerabilities that hackers would use to gain unauthorized access to your systems and resources. The patches are only as effective as long as your employees keep their devices up to date at all times. It should be noted, that phones that are no longer being updated should be replaced.
Phishing Attacks
Phishing is one of the most common attack vectors. On mobile hackers have a variety of media for delivering their links and malicious software, including often using email, SMS, social media, and voice calls to fool their victims into giving personal information. Cyber Criminals begin with phishing emails containing malware or links or attachments. Since the devices are always on and in use, they are the front lines of most phishing attacks.
9 Common Signs of a Phishing Attack and Ways to Protect Your Business
Spoofing
Network spoofing occurs when threat actors create fake access points that look like WIFI networks tricking unsuspecting individuals into a trap. The names are often “Free Coffee Shop Wifi” or “Library Wifi” to encourage them to connect.
At some of these fake access points, attackers use a captive portal, to force users to log in to access these free services. Because many users have the habit of using the same username and password across websites, hackers can then steal the credentials and compromise the accounts.
Man-in-the-Middle
When the attacker intercepts network communication to modify or eavesdrop being transmitted, it is dubbed a Man-in-the-Middle attack. Mobile networks are particularly susceptible to this attack, especially on insecure public networks, as SMS messages can be easily intercepted. Mobile applications may not use secure methods for the transfer of potentially sensitive information in contrast to web traffic which often uses encrypted HTTPS for communication.
What Are Some Components of Mobile Security?
There are many options that organizations using mobile devices to complete to protect themselves from hackers. Components in a mobile security solution can be used to define security strategies surrounding mobile devices and the data they hold. It is also important to create your own BYOD and mobile device policies that inform and trains users on what can and cannot be installed on the devices.
Common elements of a mobile security solution include:
VPN
A Virtual private network allows you to make a private connection over a public network. This enables users to send and receive sensitive data and information across shared or public networks safely. It also prevents unauthorized persons from eavesdropping on the traffic and allows safe remote work.
Email Security
Email is the most common and important business communication tool and is thus popular amongst hackers to spread malware and ransomware. This can be prevented with proper email security that can detect, block and address threats faster, prevent data loss and secure sensitive information in transit using end-to-end encryption.
End-point security
End-point security solutions protect organizations by monitoring files and processes on every mobile device that enters the network. It also ensures that the portable devices follow the implemented security standards further protecting the network. By continuously scanning for malicious activity, endpoint security can identify threats early, alert the security teams before extensive damage is done and remove them early.
Penetration testing
Also referred to as ethical hacking, penetration testing includes automated scanning services to find vulnerabilities in endpoint devices. It involves simulating real-world cyber-attacks on mobile applications, devices, and networks to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses that malicious hackers could exploit. Though it is not the only cybersecurity method that should be used on endpoints, it’s the first step in finding authentication and authorization issues that could be used to compromise data. It also helps organizations and app developers proactively assess the security of their mobile solutions and take appropriate measures to address potential risks before they are exploited by cybercriminals.
Cloud access security broker
Your organization’s network must secure the work done by employees at all places, including the cloud. A cloud access security broker (CASB) is a tool that functions as a gateway between on-premises infrastructure and cloud applications, to enforce security, protect against data breaches, compliance and governance policies for cloud applications.
Secure web gateway
Secure web gateways are a powerful tool that protects against online security threats by enforcing company security policies and defending against phishing and malware in real-time. It sits between the internet and the user. They provide advanced network protection by analyzing and comparing web requests with corporate standards to ensure that harmful programs and websites are blocked and inaccessible. It incorporates crucial security technologies like URL filtering, application management, data loss prevention, antivirus, and SSL inspection to provide organizations with strong web security.
Mobile Security Best Practices
Securing mobile devices requires a multi-layered approach and investment in enterprise solutions. There are different factors that can contribute to network security and it is important to understand each to properly protect the devices.
Limit or avoid using public WiFi
Mobile devices are only as secure as the network they connect and operate on. Public wi-fi is a hub for malware, viruses, worms and many more dangers. You therefore need to educate employees about the dangers of connecting to a public network and just act under the assumption that all public wifi networks are insecure, no matter the convenience it may bring.
Strong password protection
The most popular method of preventing unauthorized access to mobile devices is to create a strong password. It is a critical part of the organization’s security strategy, as it means the difference between safe and secure access to data and leaving it vulnerable to hackers. A password policy is a set of rules and guidelines for creating, changing, and managing passwords. It outlines the criteria for password complexity, length, expiration and how frequently passwords must be updated. A common security problem does occur however, when employees use the same password across all platforms (email, mobile, work accounts, personal accounts). Workers must create new passwords for different accounts.
Security Awareness Training and Education
To ensure the safety of mobile devices, it is necessary to develop a comprehensive and easy-to-follow security training program to educate employees and create a mobile security culture, safeguard the devices, reduce the risk of cyber intrusions, and protect devices from loss and theft. Through the training, employees acquire the knowledge and skills to detect and counter potential mobile security threats like phishing attempts and malicious links. Emphasis on robust authentication and physical security practices helps minimize unauthorized device access.
Mobile device encryption
Enabling encryption is a proactive step that adds an extra layer of security, preserving the privacy of personal and confidential company data on mobile devices. By converting data into unreadable code, encryption ensures that only authorized users with the decryption key can access the information. If theft or loss of the device occurs, the encrypted data will remain protected, preventing potential privacy breaches.
Leverage biometrics
The use of biometrics is employed by some organizations as a more secure alternative to passwords. Biometric authentication entails employing measurable biological traits, for example, fingerprints, iris scans, and voice patterns, for user identification and access. With multiple biometric authentication methods readily available on smartphones, organizations are providing their workers with a convenient and user-friendly way to enhance mobile security. These biometric solutions mitigate the risks associated with password-related vulnerabilities and streamline the access process, bolstering efficiency and user satisfaction.
Challenges in Securing a Mobile Network
One of the significant challenges to mobile device security is the wide range of devices that employees use. Mobile networks accommodate countless versions of phones, tablets, and other devices with different Operating systems and software versions. Mobile Device Management (MDM) software generally supports only the most modern version of each tool, and therefore, ensuring security across this diversity can be difficult as vulnerabilities may vary among device and OS versions.
Another challenge arises when organizations employ the BYOD policy as it allows workers to use personal devices to work to save costs, but increases the challenge of enforcing consistent security measures on devices that the company itself does not own or fully control. In addition, no matter how well you train users and make them aware of your policies, employees will still find them too inconvenient to follow.
Another challenge to mobile device security is the constantly evolving threat landscape, which introduces new challenges, especially with the introduction of 5G networks. With higher transfer rates and increased capacity, it affords criminals the opportunity for larger-scale cyber attacks that could disrupt critical services.
Final Thoughts
Mobile security is an indispensable aspect of modern-day security computing. It encompasses protecting data at rest on devices and securing the networks they connect to. Emphasizing its importance and adhering to best practices is essential for safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring smooth business operations in an increasingly mobile-driven world.
Organizations must proactively address the challenges that arise and invest in comprehensive mobile security strategies to protect against the evolving threat landscape effectively. By doing so, they can transform mobile devices from vulnerable endpoints to secure tools that enhance productivity and protect critical data.
Contact Oppos Cybersecurity Experts today for a consultation!
