7 Reasons Smartphones Are a Threat to Cybersecurity

Consumer adoption of smartphones has been one of the quickest shifts to new technology. This shift, in turn, facilitated several parts of technological integration by making things more accessible on smartphones. Now, people have the world in the palm of their hands. The problem is that many others do, too; some are criminals. Hence, smartphones can become a cybersecurity threat.

People’s personal lives and data are the highest at risk, but things don’t stop there. Unfortunately, cybercriminals know smartphones are a threat to cybersecurity so they have found ways to hack into employee phones and use the access to jeopardize their organization’s data security.

As an organization, you cannot bar them from bringing cell phones to work – it would be unreasonable. However, you can take measures to enhance your cybersecurity to block sabotage attempts. This blog will mention how cell phones can become a threat and provide tips for preventing attacks because smartphones are a threat to cybersecurity.

7 Reasons Smartphones Are a Threat to Cybersecurity

Smartphones are an indispensable technology in today’s world, especially depending on your job; however smartphones are a threat to cybersecurity. The need for better time management and quicker operations has also made them a tool for remote operations, with employees using them to send work emails.

These actions are necessary but can also put your organization at risk. The following are the primary ways in which smartphones can become compromised:

1. Malware Attacks

Malware attacks have been happening since before smartphones are a threat to cybersecurity and came into the picture but have worsened considerably. Cybercriminals often disguise their viruses behind seemingly harmless links and use them to access the information stored on a person’s phone.

The source of the malware can be phishing links from emails, downloads, and similar platforms. The type of access the attacker gains depends on the nature of the virus. They can obtain your personal details and any passwords or company-related information you may have saved.

2. Access through Public Wi-Fi

Cybercriminals have become more sophisticated, especially with people becoming wary of phishing attacks. They often hide their traps and pose them as public Wi-Fi from cafes, libraries, and other public locations. Once the unsuspecting person uses them to connect, the attacker gets access to their phone through the network and can steal important information.

3. Spyware and Interception

Spyware refers to software cybercriminals install on your phone that allows them to see and monitor your usage. They can also listen to personal or professional conversations you have on your phone, putting your information at risk.

Typically, spyware is well hidden, and it is difficult for non-IT people to know it is present unless they have the training to check. Hence, people won’t even know they are vulnerable and victims of cybercrime.

4. Encryption Failures

Most websites, applications, and software use encryption for passwords and backups to prevent the risk of data leaks. Unfortunately, encryption isn’t always as foolproof as we are made to believe. Gaps in encryption security have been the reason for several breaches and compromised user data of hundreds of thousands of users.

The same risk applies to organizations, especially when some work applications are on employee smartphones for improved coordination.

5. Stolen or Discarded Devices

People lose their phones to careless mistakes or thieves more often than expected. Several others discard old phones after buying new ones without taking the time to get them wiped professionally. Both cases’ problems are that some of their data can become compromised.

iPhone users can use the Find My Phone feature to wipe their phone if it is irretrievable, but the same feature isn’t available on all smartphones. Hence, a lost, stolen, or discarded phone can cause an unintentional data leak.

6. Employee Threat

Most employers trust their employees with the information they share and expect them to uphold that faith. However, internal threats are a genuine concern, and employees turning against the company isn’t uncommon.

People steal trade secrets, embezzle company funds, or sabotage lucrative deals for personal gain or due to animosity. Hence, organizations often conduct background checks without hiring to minimize their risk.

7. Financial Malware

Lastly, an employee’s phone can get infected by financial malware. Unfortunately, employees often access work emails from their phones, and, in some cases, it has led to the companies’ funds falling into the cybercriminal’s hands.

How to Protect Your Data from Smartphone Threat

The above information may cause panic, but you have ways to prevent cybersecurity threats from affecting your organizations. Below are a few methods that can protect you from smartphone-related vulnerability:

1. Create a BYOD Security Policy

The ‘Bring Your Own Device’ security policy is a recent introduction that targets the risk of smartphones. It allows employees to bring their phones to work on the condition that they will enable the company to install security software that minimizes threats.

Some employees are uncomfortable with the policy and claim it invades their privacy; however, that is not the case. The entire point of the software is to prevent malware and phishing attempts from gaining access to your data.

2. Install an Updated Antivirus on All Devices

Installing the software is only the beginning. You will need to ensure that the antivirus remains updated to ensure everyone’s device includes the latest updates. Most software companies incorporate updates to fix security gaps their team detects, so it is critical to install the latest versions.

3. Change Passwords Periodically

Keeping the same password is risky because your former employees will continue accessing your network. Even if the person is trustworthy, there is no guarantee that their phone isn’t compromised, which can put your data in danger if they connect during a visit.

Hence, change your passwords regularly to prevent this issue from happening.

4. Try Keeping a Separate Internet for Guests

Lastly, try keeping a separate Wi-Fi network for guests. It is customary for potential business partners, vendors, or agents to request access to show presentations or other material. However, it is best to keep their network separate to minimize the risk of data breaches.

5. Setup Dual Multifactor Authentication or Biometric Unlocking

Use a strong device passcode and enable biometric unlocking, turn on multi-factor authentication for important accounts, keep your OS and apps updated, install apps only from official stores and review app permissions, avoid clicking suspicious links or attachments, use a reputable VPN on public Wi‑Fi, enable full-disk encryption and automatic backups, activate remote wipe/find-my-device, and consider an antivirus or security app for added protection.

Wrapping Up

In short, smartphones are a threat to cybersecurity, however also smartphones are a necessary but vulnerable tool, and you’ll need to take measures to prevent and evade cybersecurity threats. Percento Technologies is a leading IT consultancy, and we can help you choose the most suitable security measures to ensure your safety.

Please contact our team to learn about our services and arrange a meeting. percentotech.com/contact-us