You will see the world crouching on a rectangular-shaped electronic device, or speaking on a larger than normal handset with a distant look. The phone is no longer considered a “phone” only for oral communication purposes. It is also used for other purposes, such as bill payment, online shopping and chatting, instant messaging, and playing games.
Security and mobile devices
Every technological aspect, including Big Data, programming and banking, as well as financials, shopping, gaming, banking, banking, gaming and financials, has security a major concern. Consider the Target data breach, where 40 million debit and credit cards were stolen and sold elsewhere to finance or malicious purposes. This data breach, even though it was not related to the mobile website, shows the extent of the breach.
Hackers and malicious intent will continue to target mobile devices as the next battlefield. Hackers will find new ways to hack into the system and steal personal and private data as mobile devices become more popular. Security professionals and top management must find new ways to plug security gaps in mobile engagement.
Mobile security statistics:
According to Kaspersky lab’s 2014 report, there were
295,539 new malicious apps for mobile devices
12,100 mobile banking Trojans
Additionally,
“19% of Android users experienced a mobile threat at some point in the year” (Kaspersky Security Bulletin 2014). “53%” of Android-attacks used mobile Trojans to steal user’s money (SMS Trojans or banking Trojans) (Kaspersky Security Bulletin 2014). All statistics for 2014.
Mobile Security features
There are many security downloads available for today’s mobile devices. Below are some features that relate to some of these downloads:
Anti-theft features
Anti-theft features such as SIM card change notification make sure that the alarm is raised and the user is notified if the SIM card is stolen. Other features help to stop thieves from getting away. They are:
Stealth mode
App disguiser
Battery save
SIM card change notification (Avast Free Mobile Security)
Remote features
Remote features in mobile security apps allow users to protect their devices in many ways. Remotely locking a mobile device can be done to prevent hackers from using it. These are just a few of the other remote features:
remote lock feature
Remote siren
Remote wipe
Remote locate
Remote display
Anti-virus features include the ability to scan all apps and memory contents for viruses
They also offer backup, parental controls, and SIM lockdown.
Hackers will use this new method of communication to gain access to personal information. New security controls must be implemented to prevent them.
As technology changes our lives slowly but surely, the “mobile” will become the indispensable necessity. Different mobile trends will impact us in different ways. Every Infosec professional must ensure your safety.