Those who were big fans of flip phones (aka “dumbphones”) a few years ago can’t deny that the proliferation of smartphones is stunning. And these smartphone users are also becoming very heavy consumers!
The so-called “m-commerce” sector just tends to grow. Not to mention, of course, the infinite number of apps and conveniences that can be accessed in the palm of your hand. But nothing is perfect (as they say). Criminals know their way around the mobile phone world too.
So that you can be watchful (and prepared) in the months ahead, we have identified four fraud trends that may attack you or your business. Here they are:
More devices, more transactions, more data circulating. Without the necessary security and awareness, people can easily fall victim to leaks of their credentials/passwords or credit card data. Trafficking and distributing this sensitive information is rampant on the deep web and dark web, but it also can easily happen on the surface web (say, through a simple Google search!).
When our old friend “phishing” targets cellphones, it’s called “smishing”. Way back in 2011, IBM noted that users of mobile devices are three times more likely to click on a phishing link than are desktop users. Since then, things have only gotten worse. Because cybercriminals are increasingly creative in their so-called “social engineering”, they also make use of infinite networks and mobile phone speed. The scams can come via WhatsApp, SMS, email, social networks, and other sources. Sadly, that’s how the number of mobile phishing victims has grown by 85% a year since 2011, as the Lookout report points out.
Kaspersky Lab warned in its recent report on mobile malware that the incidence of malware is steadily increasing. In 2018, the software company detected 116.5 million attacks, nearly double the 66.4 million reported in 2017. At first glance, the malicious files may not seem to some users to have much to do with their cell phones. But this is a clear example of how criminals are migrating into networks to exploit new vulnerabilities. Remember: Keep your data safe!
Google Play, iTunes, Microsoft – even in official stores, fake apps may be using their trademark to fool the end consumer. The idea is to use the installations for attacks ranging from scams to phishing or malware. And APK files still exist that, despite being fake or old (no security updates, for example), are available through very dubious stores and sites. With smartphone storage reaching 1TB (or more), we already know that there is no lack of space for these threats.
Here at Axur, we have several solutions that use lots of robots to help ensure the security of our customers’ mobile space. Check our solutions for phishing, malware and information leaks and also visit Hashcast and Cardcast. And the solution for rogue mobile apps and APKs, of course.