fb

BLOGS

What is Mobile Malware?

What is Mobile Malware?

Fri, 07 May 2021

As users have migrated more and more from desktop operating systems to mobile devices as their primary computing medium, cyber attackers have noticed and malware has followed. Although the overall amount of mobile malware is a piece produced for desktops, it is still a growing security issue because more and more high-value and critical tasks on mobile devices are being carried out. Definition of Mobile Malware Mobile malware, as its name implies, is malicious software that specifically targets mobile phone operating systems. There are several types of variants of mobile malware, including various delivery including infection methods. For organizations that rely on cell phones is to do business or that require their own devices to be used by employees and visitors. When more consumers shift away slowly from desktop operating systems and then choose handheld devices, it was only a matter of time before hackers shifted tactics. The amount of mobile threats is a mere fraction of those which threaten desktops right now. Nevertheless, as more and more critical and potentially high-value activities are being carried out on mobile devices, risks to mobile security are increasingly becoming a growing issue. Types of mobile malware Many different types of mobile malware are not quite the same as those that affect desktop operating systems. Trojans: Trojans include a backdoor as is the case on the web, allowing an intruder to execute code remotely or to monitor a computer. Keyloggers: Keyloggers, which can often involve screen scrapers, sit on the computer of a user, logging all the keystrokes to locate useful data. Bank Trojans: This form of malware is especially appealing to mobile attackers, as it combines a Trojan with a Keyloggers. Attackers either steal legitimate information about a user’s banking app or trick users into installing fake banking apps. Ransomware: While not nearly as popular as it is on the web, ransomware is a form of malware that will encrypt the data of a user and retain it for ransom before the attacker receives a payment. Ghost push: Types of malware that can target devices running Android, get root access, and then push updates of software or malicious ads to a user computer. Adware/spyware: While not necessarily described or labeled as malware, advertisements can often be loaded with tracking components and also called spyware to gather user activity information. How to Protect Against Mobile Malware Although mobile malware can have a serious payload, you can do many things to protect your computer from infection. Keep apps updated: By running the latest version of each application on your mobile phone, you can make sure that the latest security fixes and improvements are running on the device. Software developers also release a new upgrade or version of their program which is in some way compromised. Mobile security software installation: Just as antivirus software protects a device from viruses and malware, so does a mobile security program do the same. Consider a firewall: Most cell phones do not have any kind of protection against firewalls. Not only can firewalls protect your online privacy when browsing, but they can also be used to allow only approved apps to access the internet through a collection of firewall rules. Using screen lock protection: Once lost and stolen, many mobile devices are compromised. At least, make sure to use a passcode to lock the screen and it is much better, using the device for face recognition or fingerprint recognition. Only download apps from approved stores: Both Apple App Store and Google Play vets have been checked to make sure they are free. That doesn’t guarantee that no app can slip through the net, but you have a much better chance of using official sources to install a legitimate app. SOFTIEONS TECHNOLOGIES is providing you all kinds of IT solutions and services. We creating a very effective solution for our clients and make it according to our customers’ requirements.