The Mobile is the New Laptop for Hackers

Introduction

Many small to mid-sized businesses often operate through smartphones. Many small businesses have come into full operation through the use of smartphones which opens the possibility of e-commerce which is not often possible for many people. Even the pandemic has shown the world the endless possibilities of mobile phones as a tool to do work remotely. This dependence on phones has also increased the chances of experiencing a cyberattack as unlike laptops and computers we tend to keep our mobile phones plugged into the internet 24/7. With office tools like Microsoft 365 and other cloud-based Software all available from a hand device, the mobile phone is very much part of our work and it is here to stay. Therefore it is time to adapt quickly to the challenges of cyber security of mobile phones which is providing an amazing golden opportunity for Cybercriminals to prey on these unsuspecting victims.

Top Reasons Why Your Phones Also Need Equal Cyber Protection as your Laptops

By now you can understand that proper cyber security measures should also be taken for your mobile phones and not just your laptops. Most cyber security training programs focus on cyber attacks on computers and laptops ignoring the hand-held devices which are connected to the internet all the time and contain all our information. Below are some of the main reasons why mobile phones are attracting so much unwanted attention from unscrupulous actors wanting to cause damage to devices or steal our information.

● The main reason why hackers nowadays target mobile phones is that it is the device that we are continuously using. This means that it has a lot of information about personal life as well as our work present on those devices. Many people even store their passwords on mobile phones and in many messaging applications. This is valuable data for hackers who can then steal your credentials and use your passwords to commit identity theft.

● Data about customers often contain financial information when small businesses operate out of their mobile phones. This information is extremely important for hackers who can steal not only your money but also your clients.

● Mobile phones are also considered to be a deadly tool at the hands of hackers you can use for spying purposes. A compromised mobile phone can be used to listen to every conversation that you make, collecting lots of information including financial ones which can be sold to your competitors by hackers.

● Mobile phones are also easier to deliver Malware because the kind of cyber security systems generally presents on our laptops and computers are not there on it. The most common form of Malware that is delivered to a mobile phone is ransomware. Blocking someone's mobile phone and holding it for ransom can be extremely anxiety-inducing considering these devices for small businesses are the way for them to generate their income. This way the hacker can leverage this position to extort as much dough as they want by holding the promise of letting go of the devices once the payment is done.

Some Ways of Protecting Your Business from Becoming a Victim of a Cyber Attack Targeting Mobile Phones

There are several steps that you can take to protect your mobile phones from potential cyber-attacks. However, you have to keep in mind that these tips given below will completely protect your mobile phone as the level of sophistication of Cyberattacks is always increasing. You have to continue to keep yourself updated on the latest trends about the cyber security of mobile phones to make sure that you are protected all the time.

● Apply the method of perimeter protection for your mobile phones.

● Always try to connect your phone to private networks and switch to mobile data if there is nothing else you can do.

● Invest in Internet Security solutions created specifically for mobile devices which also come with cloud basic security solutions.

● Invest in AI-powered devices that are capable of handling cyber security attacks.

Conclusion

Any device which can be connected to the internet and through which businesses carry out their work is vulnerable to a cyber attack. Rather than accepting the fate that once in your life your business will fall prey to such an attack there are steps that you can take to send them your cyber security. Take the necessary precautions right away and educate yourself about the latest news about the cyber security world to keep yourself protected from cybercriminals lurking to steal your information.