Protect Yourself from Rising Numbers of Mobile Threats

Mobile devices are now the top option for performing critical work functions and accessing needed resources, with more than 90 percent of corporate employees in the U.S. reporting they use a smartphone for work every day. It’s a trend that cybercriminals are keen to exploit.

There has been a double-digit increase in mobile attacks over the past 12 months, according to the 2022 edition of Verizon’s Mobile Security Index. Forty-five percent of the IT professionals surveyed said their organizations experienced a security incident involving a mobile device that led to data loss, downtime or another negative outcome — a 22 percent increase from 2021.

Here are seven tips for protecting yourself from mobile threats:

• Change your default password. Go into settings to make the change. Use strong passwords or passphrases with a mixture of alpha-numeric characters.

• Lock your screen. Use face or fingerprint scanners, PIN codes, or passwords to prevent someone from using your device and accessing sensitive information.

• Don’t click links. Mobile phishing and other social engineering attacks are increasingly common. Don't open emails, text messages or web links from senders you don't recognize.

• Only download apps from trusted sources. Cybercriminals often spoof apps to trick people into downloading malware. Official app stores have strict development criteria and they vet apps for malware and other vulnerabilities before allowing them on their platforms.

• Keep apps updated. Older versions may contain vulnerabilities. Consider enabling automatic updates for your Android and iOS devices.

• Track your device. Turn on remote tracking in your mobile device settings. In addition to helping find a misplaced device, this feature allows you to remotely wipe the device’s data if it’s stolen or can’t be retrieved.

• Don’t use public charging stations. In exploits known as “juice jacking,” criminals reconfigure charging stations to access devices that have been unlocked and plugged in. Instead, plug your device directly into a public electric socket using the “brick” attachment.