Top 8 Threats Mobile Device Users Face Everyday

Mobile devices have made life easier. They make communication seamless, and you can do several other things with them, such as shopping online and making financial transactions. Despite all the convenience these devices offer, they also put the user at risk of some threats. Read on to learn some of these threats and how to prevent them.

1. Unsecured Public Wi-Fi

Few people know the risk they put themselves at when using public Wi-Fi. Generally, public Wi-Fi networks are considered less safe when compared to private ones.

This is because you can never be sure who set up the network, who is accessing or monitoring it, and whether or not it has security encryption. That means a person with ill motives can set up a public network and carry out their motives on unsuspecting mobile device users. They can then capture data that goes through the system.

If you cannot avoid public Wi-Fi, install a virtual private network (VPN). It helps ensure that you connect securely and privately even when you use public Wi-Fi.

2. Phishing Attacks

Phishing happens when an attacker dupes a person into opening an instant message, email, or text message. They are then directed to open a link that can lead to stealing personal information, freezing the system, and even installing malware. Email phishing is the most common type of phishing attack, followed by web phishing.

Mobile device users can use the best mobile security solutions for Android and iOS to stay safe from phishing. These solutions help detect emails with malicious attachments, links, language, and spam content that suggest a phishing attack.

3. Broken Cryptography

Broken cryptography happens when application developers use weak encryption algorithms or when they don’t implement strong encryption properly. They may do this to speed up an app development process, leaving room for attackers to crack passwords and even gain access.

Avoid downloading apps from untrustworthy sites to avoid the problems that come with broken cryptography.

4. Spyware

Spyware refers to a type of malware that secretly tracks your online activities or records your online information. Some strains can also activate microphones and cameras to listen and watch you secretly.

Attackers use spyware to collect data, mostly from mobile device users. They can get the data after users click on malicious advertisements or are lured into downloading something. Keeping the systems of mobile devices up to date can protect you from spyware. Not downloading suspicious email attachments and clicking suspicious links can also keep you safe.

5. Weak, Predictable Passwords

Using weak or predictable passwords for your accounts also puts mobile device users at risk of cyber-attacks. You may create a weak password for your accounts to make it easy to remember. You may also use a popular formula for creating a password. Unfortunately, cyber attackers are also aware of these formulas, and if they predict them right, they may get access to your sensitive information.

To avoid that, ensure that your passwords are strong and not predictable. A good password has several characters and is not made of something obvious, such as your name or date of birth.

6. Reusing Password

Using the same passwords for all your accounts can be very tempting, especially if you are not good at remembering passwords. However, it puts you at risk of cyber-attacks. If one of the system’s data is compromised, an attacker can also access data on other systems. Use different passwords for different systems to save yourself from such problems.

7. Stolen Or Lost Devices

If your mobile device is stolen or lost, you are at risk of someone accessing the information in your system. These devices may contain some of your personal information such as a home address, legal status, locations, etc.

People with ill motives can access this information and exploit it. They may also make fraudulent purchases using the shopping apps on your phone. On top of that, they can access your banking information, take all your savings and even leave you in debt.

To avoid these threats, assign a pattern or password to your phone. This makes it difficult to access in case it has been stolen. Also, log out after shopping sessions. Noting down the phone’s model number, International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, and serial number can also help in case authorities or carriers need to restrict the usage of a stolen or lost device.

8. Outdated Operating Systems

If you continue using outdated operating systems on your mobile device, bad actors can take advantage of their flaws to access your device and get the data they need. This is because these systems may no longer receive critical security updates.

Keeping your devices up to date reduces the risk to a great extent. Doing so allows you to regularly use updated systems that are given the necessary patches and updates to counter these threats.

There is no doubt that mobile devices make life easier. You can use them to communicate with people from anywhere in the world and make transactions, among other things. However, if you are not careful, these devices, including cyberattacks, can put you at risk. Fortunately, you can take precautions to keep your devices safe and avoid becoming a victim of these threats and risks.