As mobile devices users, every day we find ourselves more and more attached to them. Not only for daily tasks or work and leisure issues, but also for security issues: Our passwords, conversations, and keywords are in there and in many aspects, cyber assaults represent a problem not only for us but also for our companies.
Every day we hear more news about cyber assaults, malware or hackers that seize email account passwords. And usually, they get access to this information thanks to cell phones because we do not know how to use them. We only need to see the data: According to the PEW Research Center, 30% of people do not block the screen of their phone. And if this is the easiest step in protecting us, that says a lot about our interest in security in general.
The proliferation of apps that remember passwords only emphasizes the importance of this. Being able to access any of our accounts, personal or professional, has reduced the interest in keeping devices safe. And many people have suffered for it.
Vulnerabilities
The oldest method to steal information from electronic devices is through Malware. This kind of malicious software has different levels of danger. They can either interfere with normal phone use to disable it completely. Although it is the oldest practice, malware is evolving and thus it’s easier to plug them in mobile devices.
Possible cyber assaults breaches
A fact that could surprise many is how vulnerable our electronic devices are to hacking when we connect to public charging stations. By connecting our phone it not only transmits energy, but also data. This is a technique of hacking known as “juice jacking”.
Another common way to subject our phones to possible cyber assaults is through Hotspots or Access Points. This is due to the lack of interest in setting their protection and the fact they’re accessible by anyone. This encourages hackers to load them with malicious software. The lack of a firewall, such as our own home router or Wi-Fi protected areas makes everything dangerous for our devices.
Phishing is a practical but unreliable way to steal information from a device. It’s when hackers create pirated apps that simulate the functionality of legitimate ones. When these apps get installed, they grant access to the phone through the malware. The best we can do is check and verify everything we install on our devices. The use of official sources and reading the permissions requested by these apps is very important.
Protecting your mobile devices from cyber assaults
Although digital security is increasing, consumers represent the last barrier against hackers. It’s important to maintain healthy practices on our devices to avoid any of our personal information to leak.
Two-step authentication
A simple way to prevent cyber assaults or security breaches is two-step authentication. It’s a practice in which the app requests not one, but two steps to grant access to sensitive content. One of the steps is usually a unique code sent via email or text message, like a temporary password. This prevents any malware that copies data stored on the phone to get our information.
Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
It is possible to receive cyber-attacks through the access ports that connect us via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. We keep these apps active even if we are not using them, and some malware can access our phones this way. Keeping these features turned off prevents any possibility of access by hackers. Always double-check each time you connect to a network or Bluetooth to make sure it’s the right one.
Avoid “Jailbreaking” cell phones
Many users love to personalize their devices. Others like to browse through the functionalities of their phones as administrators. Yet this kind of practice increases vulnerability to cyberattacks and malware. Although a common practice, all its disadvantages speak against doing it.
Shield your digital environments against cyber assaults
The most effective way to protect your work environment is by using digital security tools like Trend Micro. This program has comprehensive security systems that cover many problems. It allows the inclusion of various devices, protecting your company by shielding your employees’ phones.
With 28 years of experience and a security system that is evolving, Trend Micro is the best option when it comes to protecting work environments. It’s a safe bet and prevents the filtration of sensitive, personal content to the public.
If you want to receive more information about this tool, do not hesitate to contact us. At GB Advisors, we offer only the best in the market. We are a team of professionals willing to share advice and help you on your way to a more efficient IT environment.
