Mobile Devices Security

The Most Common Threats and Protection Options for Mobile Devices

Long gone are the days when the most serious security threats existed on your personal computer only. Today, we use our hand-held gadgets to serve the same purposes as computers did before the development of the modern smartphone. As such, cybercriminals have upped their game, and that dear smartphone, tablet, or iPhone is the target of malicious cyber-attacks.

Mobile gadgets have become a huge part of our lives. We cannot do without them, and anyone would hate to fathom life without a smartphone. Our usage of mobile gadgets goes beyond basic communication needs. We use our phones for shopping, online banking, messaging, sharing information, taking photos, and countless other things. In a nutshell, your mobile phone or tablet is your identity.

Since we store too much important and sensitive information on our gadgets, they have become a prime target for cybercriminals. Disregard of simple security measures while using your phone leaves your sensitive data exposed to anyone willing to take advantage.

The Most Common Threats to Mobile Devices Security

There are various types of mobile security threats that you must steer clear of when using your gadget. The threats could be web-based, application-oriented, or network-related. Other threats could also be physical. Here are the most common security threats for mobile devices.

Malware

Modern smartphones function the same way as computers, giving hackers numerous avenues to spread malware. Cyber fraudsters are always on the lookout for the slightest chance to attack and steal your personal or business information. Malware is a program that installs on your phone without your consent.

According to research (Weichbroth. P & Łysik. L, 2020), the Android GMBot, a malware that comes from unknown or third-party app stores, is one of the most common mobile device security threats. The malware app functions as genuine, but the truth is, it will trick you into giving away your banking information.

Another such kind of malware is the Marcher Android malware that poses as a legit bank website hoping that users will disclose their bank login credentials (Harkness. A, 2019). If a stranger impersonates your identity in banking matters, you can rest assured that they'll transfer your cash to a different account in minutes.

Social Engineering or Phishing

Phishing, also referred to as social engineering, is a type of mobile device security threat that aims directly at users. According to experts (Sophoslabs, 2020), the attacks exploit human psychology rather than the technical hacking method. In this kind of attack, cyber fraudsters send out massive emails targeting mobile phone users. The criminals are aware that people monitor their email in real-time and open an email once there is an alert.

Cybercriminals fraudulently earn some cash from 80% of mobile users who respond to these emails (Kaspersky, 2020). They may also provide a link for you to click. Once you open the link, you unknowingly expose your credit card numbers, passwords, and bank account details. Unauthorized access to your personal financial information means that you can wake up one day and find your account empty. If you don't want to lose your money, avoid opening and responding to any suspicious emails or messages that come your way.

A more recent phishing form is smishing, which involves sending mass text messages with a fake link. Sometimes the criminals also post such messages on social media. Once you click on the provided link, you are redirected to another site asking for your sensitive personal information.

Communication Interception and Direct Hacker Attack

As earlier stated, modern mobile gadgets are stylish, making them enticing to more users. Equally, the increased number of users is too alluring to hackers. It is easier for them to intercept numerous communications or attack the mobile devices directly. The most prime targets for hackers include personal data like passwords and bank information (Federal Communications Commission, 2019).

The criminals may also access your identity through your phone. Remember that mobile phones are customizable, and you use your credentials to customize your phone. If your identity gets stolen, attackers can use it to commit any crime without your knowledge.

Communication interception involves the intervention of mobile interaction between two users through a public network. In this kind of attack, the criminals dupe the users into believing that they are in direct communication. The interceptor is referred to as the man-in-the-middle (MITM). The MITM can redirect the data route, listen to a conversation, or impersonate one of the interlocutors to steal data.

Negligent User Behavior

Mobile gadget users unknowingly expose themselves to threats due to the thin line that demarcates the boundary between business and personal use. Some of the riskiest user behaviors include switching off essential security apps, sharing private information, and downloading apps from unverified sources.

Lost or Stolen Mobile Devices

Once more, remember that your mobile device harbors a lot of sensitive personal information. To be precise, your phone is a personal device. Losing it means giving away your valued personal or business information to strangers. Such information in the wrong hands is one of the greatest threats to your data security.

Since losing a phone is possible, you should adopt proper measures to give your gadget and data an extra layer of protection. Measures such as two-factor authentication, password lock applications, and avoiding automatic logins will keep your personal information protected if you lose your gadget.

Get Trusted and Verified Protection Options for Mobile Devices

Today, the very most of antivirus and internet security software providers offer mobile device protection as well. This is due to the fact that the number of mobile devices in use is huge. Many people abandoned their phone landlines for their smartphones. Going further, many people reduced or almost stopped using their computers in the favor of smartphones or tablets. Mobile devices replaced computers for simple computing tasks like browsing the Internet, online banking or shopping, and more. And as it always is, the more something is being used, the more is being abused, too. The more people use mobile devices, the more cybercriminals try to exploit those same devices.

As already stated, most security vendors provide mobile device protection apps. To name a few: Avast, AVG, Avira, ESET, Kaspersky, Malwarebytes, McAfee, Norton, and Trend Micro.

Avast Mobile Security Options

Avast is one of those well known for its free antivirus. Besides the free antivirus for computers (PC and Mac), Avast also provides free protection for Android and iOS devices. The exact free products are:

The above solutions provide basic protection for Android and iOS mobile devices.

There are also more comprehensive paid solutions, as follows:

Both of the above security packages provide protection for mutiple devices, including mobile ones running Android and iOS operating systems.

Avast Mobile Security for Android

This free antivirus for Android prevents viruses and other malware from infecting an Android device. It does it by:

Avast Mobile Security for iOS

Like with Android devices, Avast also offers a free security solution that protects iPhone and iPad devices from malware and other threats. Avast Security & Privacy features include:

Avast Premium Security

This security suite provides an option that protects up to 10 devices. The coverage is good for any combination of Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS devices. Since Avast Premium Security is a paid service, all of the premium features are included, except the VPN which only a part of Avast One.

Avast One

Avast's new protection solution called Avast One provides the most comprehensive security solution for home users. Avast One is a personal all-in-one online guardian — ready to protect multiple devices with award-winning antivirus, plus powerful privacy and performance tools like VPN and device cleanup.

 

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McAfee Mobile Security

McAfee provides protection for Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. Some features come for free while others are part of the paid service. McAfee mobile security for Android includes:

McAfee mobile security for iOS is similar to the one for Android, with a couple of differences. It includes:

For best security, McAfee offers All-In-One Protection plans that cover multiple devices, including mobile ones. Therefore, for mobile device security, McAfee provides options from free,over basic, to advanced and total protection.

 

McAfee Protection Plans

 

Norton Mobile Protection

Most software and hardware vendors promote different procedures that you should adopt to keep your device safe from malicious attacks. To protect your personal information and data, you must adopt recommended safety guidelines from trusted and verified mobile device security service providers.

Norton is one of those when it comes to the best mobile device protection software. Mobile device users often lose their sensitive data to criminals despite adopting stringent measures outlined above. Your mobile device is your life, and you should buy software from a trusted vendor only. Norton mobile device protection services include:

Upgrade to Norton 360, Norton's Number One Package That Provides Mobile Security

If you want a more comprehensive mobile device security, Norton 360 is the number one choice for you. The product package powered by Norton includes malware and antivirus protection, an intelligent firewall, secure VPN, password manager, and dark web monitoring, SafeCam, and parental control – all under one roof. The listed protection features apply not just to mobile devices, but also to PC and Mac computers. Not all features are available on all devices, so check the details prior making the final purchase decision. Upgrade to Norton 360 and get that much-needed extra security layer.

 

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Trend Micro Mobile Security Solutions

Trend Micro's security protection for mobile devices includes apps for Android and iOS. The apps are:

Trend Micro Mobile Security & Antivirus for Android

Trend Micro™ Mobile Security & Antivirus for Android protects your Android smartphones and tablets against malicious apps, ransomware, dangerous websites, unsafe Wi-Fi networks, unwanted access to your device, and more. It also optimizes your mobile phone to keep it running at peak performance. The app comes with tools, utilities and scanners, keep you alerted to risks, increase mobile banking safety, boost your phones performance, and allows you to find, lock, or erase your device if it goes missing. Local Web Guard protects against fraud, phishing, & other dangerous websites in all browsers.

Trend Micro Mobile Security for iOS

Trend Micro™ Mobile Security for iOS keeps your iOS devices safe by automatically blocking potentially harmful websites while browsing. It blocks ads, personal information trackers, and helps avoid unsafe Wi-Fi networks and excess data usage. The app will regularly scan your device to detect malicious links, spam and scam SMS text messages, identity and privacy concerns, insecure Wi-Fi networks, and risky calendar events. Trend Micro's secure VPN technology filters dangerous web threats for you, so that you can shop, pay, and browse safely online with confidence.

Trend Micro Comprehensive All-In-One Security Solutions

As most other security vendors do, Trend Micro also offers All-In-One suites that include protection for mobile devices. There are two options, and they are:

The above packages both include protection for mobile devices. The difference is in Premium Suite having features like Personal VPN, Dark Web Monitoring, 24x7 technical support and emergency assistance, and fast, remote diagnosis and repair.

 

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Protection is better than cure, according to an old saying. The pain of losing your money, being charged, or investigated for crimes you never committed is far greater than taking the simple steps to protect your mobile device against cybercriminals.

 

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