Your risk of becoming a victim of crime through your mobile phone grows more serious every day. Estimated at more than $6 trillion this year, cybercrime is increasing at a torrid rate of 15% a year. That’s faster than any other type of crime, according to Cybersecurity Ventures, an internet security monitor. On purpose or unknowingly, you add more sensitive information to your cellphone daily. This means the malware crimes you are exposed to can be increasingly serious.
These little devices can hold a lot of personal information – including your passwords, bank account information and contact lists. If your cellphone is hacked, you could be in a world of trouble.
High-tech criminals are always coming up with new ways to break into our phones, and it can be hard to keep up with the latest threats. Various types of malware can easily infect a mobile device. That’s why taking some simple steps to protect your device is time well spent.
The risks include:
Spyware. This can track a user’s location, read their text messages and emails, and even eavesdrop on their phone calls.
Mobile banking trojans. This masquerades as a legitimate application to trick users into installing it. Once installed, it can steal information and money from your bank account.
SMS (Short message service). This arrives via a text message and may contain a link that, once opened, installs software to steal personal information. Sometimes SMS malware can send text messages from the infected device without the victim’s knowledge.
How can your device become infected? One way is if you download an infected app from an unofficial app store. Another is if you click on a malicious link or open an attachment in a suspicious text message. You can also get infected by connecting to an unsecured Wi-Fi network.
What are signs your device is infected? Some are obvious, while others are more subtle.
Battery drains quickly. If you notice that your battery drains more quickly, scan for malware.
Slowdown. Another sign of malware is a general slowing of the device. If applications take longer to load or if the overall performance is sluggish, malware may be to blame.
Unusual behavior. If you experience sudden changes in settings, programs that open and close on their own, a big increase in pop-ups, more data usage, and new and unfamiliar icons appearing on your screen – those are all red flags.
If you notice any of these signs, immediately run a malware scan. You should change all passwords that have been stored on your device and update your security apps and software.
How can you prevent your device from becoming infected? You can take simple steps. According to the National Security Agency, these include:
Do not connect to public Wi-Fi.
Use a strong lock-screen password.
Update the device software and apps regularly.
Do not send sensitive information via text message.
Do not open suspicious links or attachments.
Do not tamper with the phone’s operating system.
Power your device off and on weekly.
You can also improve mobile security by regularly checking your phone bill for unusual activity, downloading a mobile security app, reporting if your device is stolen and wiping your data off your device before you recycle or sell it.
Malware doesn’t just affect the user. Most employees use their personal mobile devices for work-related activities, especially since many are on a hybrid or remote schedule. According to a 2022 research study, 93% of U.S. employees who own a smartphone and spend at least a third of their time working remotely, use it for work every day. That puts your entire organization at risk.
Ray Gandy is the leader of information technology risk and assurance practice at CBIZ & MHM New England, with offices in Providence and Boston.
