2021- the most fruitful year for hackers- we can say this by looking at the whopping 17 % increase in the number of data breaches in 2021 compared to 2020. In 2022, mobile security will be the top priority for the organization, as mobile devices have become a critical infrastructure for organizations. Nowadays, more and more employees access systems through their mobile devices from remote locations. In terms of security, this means there will be an increase in the number of endpoints and threats.
The mobile security threat landscape has evolved over the past few years. Malware was the most common security threat in the past, but now there are numerous new threats firms encounter and need protection from. More companies are ready to spend a huge amount on the training of their employees and offer huge salaries to cyber security professionals who know how to deal with mobile security attacks. So, if you are interested in building a cyber-security career, now is the best time to do so.
Incidents of Failure of Traditional Authentication Methods in 2021
The biggest cyber-attack in 2021 happened because of the compromise in the two main security variables- the password and SMS one-time password for two-factor authentication. In 2021 another major cyber security attack that gained eyeballs was the Colonial Pipeline cyber-attack. This attack happened because of the compromise in a single password by the employee who re-used the password on another account. In the previous year, there was also a rise in OTP interception bots; cybercriminals use to intercept OTPS.
Growth of Mobile Threat Landscape in 2022 and Protection Measures
In 2022 mobile threat landscape will continue to grow, and the main catalyst will be remote working. Firms will have to update their work from home and BYOD policies. Here are the top mobile security threats firms will encounter in 2022.
Data leakage via Malicious Apps
According to Dave Jevans, CEO of marble security, enterprises face a security threat from millions of available apps on their employees’ devices than from the mobile malware. This is because 85 % of mobile apps and unsecured. Hackers can easily find unprotected mobile apps and use them to design larger attacks or steal data. The lack of security can leave the devices and enterprises vulnerable to attacks. The apps can mine the corporate data and expose critical business information.
How to Protect Against Data Leakage?
Use mobile application management tools to protect your firm against data leakage or unsecured apps. With these tools, admins can effectively manage corporate apps on their employees’ devices without compromising their personal data. Also, firms can provide training to employees through online cyber security courses to understand the how and why of data leakage.
Social Engineering Attacks are on The Rise
In social engineering attacks, hackers send fake emails or text messages to your employees to trick them into handing over private information like passwords or downloading malware on their devices. According to cyber security firm Lookout and Verizon, there has been a 37% increase in enterprise mobile phishing attacks, and phishing attacks are the top cause of data breaches.
Countermeasures Firms can Adopt
The best defence against social engineering attacks is to educate employees on how you spot phishing emails and SMS messages that look suspicious. For proper training, firms can rely on top-rated online cyber security courses to help employees identify security threats and develop an effective security defence. Also, firms must reduce the number of people who have access to sensitive data to limit the number of access point’s attackers have to access for gaining critical information.
End to End Encryption Gaps
The most common example of end to end encryption is unencrypted public WiFi. Since the public network is not secured, cybercriminals can easily access the information shared between the employee’s devices and the firms’ system. Also, any encrypted application of service provides an opportunity to hackers to gain access to critical information.
The Solution to End Encryption
Ensure the service provider you work with encrypt their services to prevent unauthorized access and assure users’ devices and your system are also encrypted well.
Spyware is on The Rise
Through spyware, hackers collect data by installing the bug on the mobile device when users click on the malicious code. Users also unintentionally download spyware through scams that trick them into downloading it.
Protection Against Spyware
Through dedicated mobile security apps, employees can detect and eliminate spyware that might be present on their website. Also, ensure employees keep their device and OS up to date to protect their device and data from spyware.
2022 is going to be the year of mobile security attacks. Firms need to upgrade their security network to ensure no security loopholes. Infosec4TC, with its cyber security training courses will help firms upgrade their mobile security like a pro.