Mobile Malware Has Increased 500% - What Should You Do?

Cybersecurity researchers uncovered an alarming mobile statistic. During the first few months of 2022, mobile malware attacks surged by 500%, disturbing both in scale and because many people aren’t yet protecting smartphones.

For years, mobile phones have become more powerful. They now do many of the same functions as a computer, just with a much smaller screen, yet people tend to secure their computers better than their smartphones. This is a behaviour that needs to change. Over 60% of digital fraud now occurs through mobile devices. That makes them highly risky if proper safeguards aren’t followed.

Many of these are the same types of protections you have on your computer. It’s time to start thinking about your smartphone as a mini-computer and keeping it just as secure.

Tips to Improve the Security of Your Smartphone

Use Mobile Anti-malware

Yes, your mobile phone needs antivirus/anti-malware too. Malware can and does infect smartphones and tablets. You need to ensure you have a reliable mobile anti-malware app installed.

And beware of those freebies. Freebies are great when you’re talking about food, but not security apps. Malware is often hidden inside free apps. These apps are ironically supposed to make you more secure.

Don’t Download Apps from Unknown Sources

Only download mobile apps from trusted sources. Do not download outside a main app store. Trusted app stores include places like:

Apple App Store
Google Play
The Microsoft Store
Amazon Appstore

It would help if you also researched the app developer online to ensure they have a good reputation. Once you download a dangerous app to your phone, it can infect it with malware. That malware can remain behind even if you delete the app later.

Don’t Assume Email is Safe

Many people prefer checking email on their phone rather than PC because it’s so handy. But they have a false sense of security about the safety of emails when viewed on a mobile device.

You can’t assume an email is safe just because you’re not on your computer. Be just as wary about unexpected emails and scam emails masquerading as legitimate.

It isn’t easy to hover over a link without clicking when on a smartphone. If you see something questionable and want to check the link, open the email on your PC where you can do that.

Beware of SMS Phishing (aka “Smishing”)

In March of 2022, text spam outpaced robocalls. Unwanted text messages rose by 30%, ten per cent higher than robocalls. Many of those spam texts are smishing.

Smishing is the text version of phishing. These texts usually contain malicious links. A hacker can potentially breach your device if you click them. The message may also ask you to text back personal information.

Be on the lookout for text messages that don’t quite make sense. For example, getting a shipping notification when you haven’t ordered anything. Also, beware of texts from unknown sources.

Phishing via text message is a growing concern. It’s also one that most people aren’t aware of yet, so they often get caught in its trap.

Remove Old Apps You No Longer User

Approximately 2.6 million apps haven’t been updated in a year or more, with apps often abandoned by the developer, which can leave security vulnerabilities on your device. Hackers seek out these types of vulnerabilities to exploit. If they aren’t addressed, then they remain a danger.

Go through your device and remove old applications you are no longer using. There is no reason to keep them around, potentially leaving your device at risk.

Additionally, look at the time of the last update. If it’s over a year, you may consider replacing that app with something more current. App updates often include security-related items. It’s not good when a year or more goes by without the developer updating the app.

Keep Your Device Updated

Speaking of updates, you also need to keep your device’s operating system updated. Are you using the current version of Android or iOS? Not installing updates can mean your phone has vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities allow hackers to breach your data.

Automate updates as possible. If you have a company with several devices, it’s a good idea to include your phones in a managed IT services plan.

Use a VPN When on Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi is dangerous. Most people understand that, but many connect to it out of necessity anyhow. You may worry about going over your data plan allotment. Or your mobile carrier reception may be slow. Both cases are reasons people opt to connect to unsecured public hot spots.

You can connect to public Wi-Fi with less risk if you use a VPN application. VPNs stand between your device and the internet. They route your data through a secure server, keeping it away from prying eyes lurking on that public Wi-Fi.

Mobile Security Solutions to Prevent a Data Breach

Please don’t wait until your phone is infected with malware to secure it properly. We can help you with automated solutions that protect your device, accounts, and data. Contact us to schedule a consultation.

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Why you should choose Penntech IT Solutions

Customer Satisfaction Levels/NPS Score

Penntech’s average NPS score over 90 days is 84. The average Net Promoter Score (NPS) for IT Managed Service Providers (MSPs) can vary. Still, an NPS of around 50 is considered excellent in this industry, with scores above 70 exceptional and rare.

No lengthy contract tie-ins and a trial period

We offer our services on a trial basis for the first three months because we’re confident in our delivery and approach.

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Cybersecurity Expertise

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Disaster Recovery and Backup Solutions

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Expertise Across Industries

With experience in various verticals and industries, Penntech understands different businesses’ unique IT challenges and can provide customised solutions..

Contact us today or explore the range of support packages on offer.

    
 
 
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 10 February 2023
 
 
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 6 February 2023
 
 
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 22 March 2021
 
 
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 20 July 2020
 
 
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 20 May 2020
 
 
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 18 May 2020
 
 
  Heartstyles have worked with Penntech for 3 years. The initial brief to sort out our global IT requirements. Penntech have always been refreshing clear in their comms, avoiding IT gobbledygook. No job has been too small to support and they always deliver above and beyond what was required and within budget. They clearly know what they’re doing and the level of service is always outstanding
  
 
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 18 May 2020
 
 
  Lewis and the team at Penntech are seen very much as an extension of our business. They are professional, technically brilliant, don't over complicate things, very friendly and the staff feel comfortable dealing with them on a daily basis.  They have a good understanding of our needs and go above and beyond to ensure we can get on with our day to day business, safe in the knowledge that if anything goes wrong technically that Penntech will resolve it efficiently. Leigh Ryan, CIO, MGAM Ltd
  
 
  
  
 
 
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