Mobile Security 101: The Importance Of Virus Protection On Your Phone

Personal data stored on your smartphone is often worth more than the smartphone itself. This truth can also be applied to laptops and tablets. With the advent of smartphones and mobile technology, more people are holding potential security threats right in the palms of their hands without having the right phone virus protection.

Mobile technology has seeped into every corner of our daily lives, serving a wide array of tasks including GPS, entertainment, storage, and more. While the functionalities of mobile phones are endless, the risks to our personal privacy are very real.

Mobile Security

As we store more sensitive information on our mobile devices, maintaining the security of that data becomes more crucial. From personal photos and addresses to credit card info and phone numbers, hackers who gain access to our phones have more personal information available to them now than ever before.

Mobile attacks can be classified into four types, including OS attacks, app attacks, malware related attacks, and communication based attacks, such as those on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

OS attacks exploit the gaps found at the OS level. App attacks are typically a result of bad development and coding. Attacks on communication networks happen when users log into an unsecure or faulty network. Malware attacks, which are increasing in numbers, can steal your photos, hijack your camera, and erase important files.

A recent example that demonstrates the need for effective phone virus protection is the current wave of phishing emails that are targeting NAB (National Australia Bank) customers. Emails and texts are being sent out under the guise of NAB with a link requesting customers to view their current bank statement, that NAB has detected some unusual activity on their bank account, or to verify their card details.

Upon clicking the enclosed link, they are taken to a fake website with the appearance of the NAB website. Customers are then asked to enter in their banking credentials such as their account number, entering their bank and credit card’s expiration date, and confirm their personal information.

Changing Times

Mobile security breaches are a lot different from attacks on your desktop. For one thing, there is no such thing as logging in anymore. Users do not log into their devices, making accessing and sharing data between different applications problematic

In addition to your personal pictures, contacts, and files, mobile applications also store sensitive info such as passwords, authentication tokens, and more. It’s critical that you protect these files so hackers do not gain access to your personal accounts.

Unlike desktop users, mobile users cannot see the entire URL of a site they are visiting. This paves the way for digital crooks to use phishing attacks against unknowing users.

Another example of this is the recent wave of phishing attacks targeting Australia Post customers. Taking advantage of the increased demand on the logistics industry during the Corona outbreak, scammers are sending fraudulent emails and text messages pretending to be an update on their package delivery or from a post office.

The text or email tells customers that their package has been stopped and requests that they click the provided link to resolve the issue. But of course, clicking the link will only take them to a fake website that requests their personal information before disclosing more details. Examples such as this only increase the need for having effective phone virus protection software.

Fortifying Mobile Security Governance

There are steps that you can take to ensure your mobile devices are secure. The first step is to know exactly what data is being collected by apps you use, including contacts, photos, Internet data, and call logs. You should also understand how your data is being used by these applications.

Use different passwords for different apps and sites. Make your passwords long and complicated, including letters, numbers, and symbols. To add a second layer of protection, use a two-factor identification system.

Never use an unsecure Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection and update your operating system and apps whenever a new version becomes available.

It is possible to protect yourself and boost mobile security. By thoroughly understanding the risks and taking the proper precautions, you can maintain your privacy and security.