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Mobile Device Security: Risks and Solutions

Mobile devices have evolved so much over the past two decades, incorporating several new technologies to improve their performances. As at today, virtually everyone owns at least a smartphone – one for work and the other for home use. With this, there is a need for Mobile Device Security. Everyone gets more susceptible to various risks. The number of people who do not own a smartphone, majorly the elderly and young ones, are slowly joining the league of smartphone owners or at least a daily user. It is therefore needless to say that not a day goes by that the average person doesn’t use a smartphone. As a result of this Mobile Device Security has become very important.

Daily Threats Faced by Mobile Device Users

Mobile Device Security

Its increased use and dependence on the Internet has availed malicious elements the opportunity to perpetrate several forms of attacks on unsuspecting victims. These attacks come in several types, and a number of them are explained below:

1. Malware and Viruses:

Also referred to as malicious software, these applications operate just like the ones on PC. They attack the operating system and often gain entrance to the mobile device through attachments downloaded from the Internet. Because of the difference in the way PCs and mobile devices are designed, viruses designed for PCs do not exactly pose threats to mobile devices and vice versa.

2. Unsecure WiFi Connection:

Public WiFis have been constantly deemed unsafe for use because of the many security threats they pose. More often than not, traffic traveling through public WiFi isn’t encrypted and can be easily intercepted. Several threats such as phishing, man-in-the-middle attacks, and spoofing are some of the many risks that users of public WiFi expose themselves to.

3. Data Leakage:

This occurs without any exact form of an attack taking place. It starts from unauthorized access to data through a database breach which can then materialize to data theft or inappropriate use of data. This, of all threats, has been noted to be the biggest security threat facing the digital industry as of today. Installing applications from untrusted sources and granting unnecessary permissions to these malicious applications are examples of ways by which mobile users expose themselves to this security threat.

4. Click Bait Ads:

Many shady apps on your Smartphones can push clickbait ads which you might click on. Once you click on them, they can install malware or malicious things on your device. This compromises your Mobile Device Security. It is indeed better to uninstall those apps from your phone. Check all your installed apps and uninstall the apps that you don't trust.

Staying Above Mobile Device Cyber risks

Those mentioned above and a lot more are threats mobile users face, day-in, day-out. However, there are a couple of recommended ways by which users can stay above these threats. Some of these include:

  • Use VPN Software:

Of all the ways to ensure mobile security, this one tops the list. Apart from the popular feature to change the IP address of the user, VPNs also possess good encryption features that encrypt data as it travels through the network. Encrypted data always ensures the security of user data.

  • Always Install Latest Software Update:

OS software updates often contain security upgrades and patches that fix the latest security vulnerabilities discovered by the OS developers. Installing these upgrades as soon as they are released will help the user stay above the newest security threats pertaining to their OS.

  • Install Antivirus Software:

Antivirus software, just like antimalware software, works to keep user devices safe by preventing viruses and malware from gaining entry into the mobile device. They also scan, detect, and delete any trace of malicious programs that might be existing on the device. There are several free antivirus software on the Internet that users can choose from.

  • Avoid Untrusted Applications:

By default, Android and iOS prevent the installation of apps from sources that are unverified. And, this is in a bid to cut down on the incessant cyber threats facing mobile users. Bypassing this restriction puts the users in harm’s way as untrusted applications could be riddled with malicious software. Or even worst still may be spyware to monitor the user’s activities.

  • Always read User-Agreements:

Greyhat hackers rely on the negligence of users in reading their end-user agreements in a bid to incorporate some form of malicious acts that the user will have unknowingly agreed to. Reading these agreements can go a long way in preventing cyber threats via this means.

Thus, these were the various Risks for Mobile Devices. One can surely reach towards Mobile Device Security Device from these tips. What all tips did you already followed for Mobile Device Security? Let us know in the comments below.

Thanks to Tech Warn for this guest post.

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