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New Security Risks on Mobile Devices: Why Awareness and Protection Are Critical in the Hybrid Workforce

By Tomas Lopes posted Mon December 09, 2024 07:36 PM

  

In our mobile first / mobile last world - many employees’ workday both starts and ends on a mobile device. Mobile devices are now essential tools for productivity and communication, especially as many organizations transition to hybrid work environments and they offer a rich target to malicious actors because they are often the least protected corporate devices and offer simple vectors from which to launch social engineering attacks – such as SMS, email, and corporate and personal messaging platforms (like Slack, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, X, TikTok, etc.).

Unlike traditional computers, which are generally well-defended with antivirus and cybersecurity protocols, mobile devices are frequently left vulnerable due to a lack of user awareness and proper protection.

The Underestimated Risks of Mobile Cybersecurity

Many users and organizations are quick to secure PCs and laptops but overlook the risks associated with mobile devices. From smartphones to tablets, these devices have unique vulnerabilities that cybercriminals increasingly exploit. Yet, because mobile device security has historically received less attention, most users and IT teams don’t fully recognize these risks. This lack of awareness often translates to a lack of cyber hygiene, such as timely updates and the installation of essential security software, leaving devices susceptible to a growing number of cyber threats.

Why Mobile Devices Are More Vulnerable?

Mobile devices face different security challenges than desktops or laptops, as they rely on various applications, connect to public networks, and carry sensitive data in pockets and purses. Here are a few ways they are at greater risk:

  1. Frequent Connection to Public Networks: Mobile devices frequently connect to public Wi-Fi in coffee shops, airports, and other common spaces, making them easy targets for attackers. Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, allowing hackers to intercept sensitive data, including login credentials and personal information.
  2. Lack of Routine Updates: Unlike desktop computers, where security patches and updates are more standard practice, mobile devices are often left with outdated software. This is particularly problematic as operating system updates are essential to patch known vulnerabilities.
  3. Inconsistent Security Measures Across Devices: Businesses often use a mix of iOS and Android devices, each with its own security protocols and vulnerabilities. Android, for instance, has a more fragmented ecosystem, where updates are not universally applied across devices, leaving some users exposed. On the other hand, iOS users may not be aware that jailbreaking their phones disables important security features.
  4. More Personal Apps and Data at Risk: Mobile devices often hold both personal and professional data, including emails, contacts, and payment information, in addition to business data. The crossover between personal and business use increases exposure to potential breaches, as malicious apps downloaded for personal use can compromise corporate security.
  5. Malware-Laden Apps: Although app stores like Google Play and Apple’s App Store vet applications, malicious apps still manage to slip through. These apps can contain malware that gathers data, spies on activity, or even takes control of the device, risking both personal and business information.

Common Mobile Threats to Watch Out For

In addition to the vulnerabilities mentioned above, there are specific mobile threats every user and IT team should be aware of:

  • Phishing Attacks: Phishing remains one of the most effective attack vectors, and mobile users are highly susceptible due to the small screens and simplified user interfaces. Emails, SMS texts, and even social media direct messages often carry phishing links that can lead to credential theft or malware.
  • Malware and Spyware: Malicious apps can install malware that collects sensitive data or tracks a user’s activity without consent. This spyware can access everything from location to keystrokes, making it a prime threat to both personal privacy and business security.
  • Man-in-the-Middle Attacks (MITM): Public Wi-Fi networks are ideal for MITM attacks, where attackers can intercept communication between a mobile device and the server it’s communicating with. Sensitive information, such as login credentials, can be exposed without the user even realizing it.
  • Unsecured Devices and Theft: Because mobile devices are portable, they are also at a higher risk of being lost or stolen. When devices don’t have proper security, such as screen locks or device encryption, sensitive information can be accessed by anyone who picks up the device.

Best Practices for Mobile Cybersecurity

While mobile threats are on the rise, there are ways to significantly reduce the risk of attacks. Both individuals and organizations can take proactive measures to secure their mobile devices and protect sensitive data. Regularly updating operating systems, using mobile security software, and employing strong authentication are essential steps for protecting mobile devices. Additionally, limiting app permissions and promoting cybersecurity training among employees can significantly reduce risks.

However, for businesses, implementing a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution, like IBM MaaS360, is particularly valuable. MDM provides critical control and visibility, allowing organizations to enforce security policies, manage devices remotely, and wipe data if a device is lost or stolen—ensuring comprehensive security across all mobile devices accessing company resources.

Embracing Mobile Security for the Hybrid Workforce with mobile threat defense solutions

As more organizations embrace hybrid work models, mobile device security is no longer optional. In a world where business data is accessed on the go, both employees and IT teams must take mobile security seriously. Without proper safeguards, the productivity benefits of mobile devices are outweighed by the increased security risks they pose.

IBM MaaS360 Mobile Threat Defense add-ons (Professional and Advanced) represent a major evolution in the native endpoint security capabilities of the MaaS360 platform and the enterprise mobility market. The new add-ons consolidate devices, users, threats and vulnerabilities into a unified endpoint management and security platform. MaaS360 Mobile Threat Defense provides device management, mobile threat defense, seamless integration with existing cybersecurity stacks, and AI-driven security insights to accelerate assessing risk and responding to threats.

IBM® MaaS360® Mobile Threat Defense Advanced represents a significant advance in how organizations adopt and leverage mobile threat defense. As a fully integrated extension of IBM MaaS360, IBM MaaS360 MTD Advanced is combining simplicity and security in a single solution with a fully automated deployment and zero touch device activation, providing on-device protection powered by machine learning, features near real-time dashboards to quickly identify risky users and devices and detecting and responding to advanced and persistent mobile threats.

MaaS360 Unified Endpoint Management, combined with MaaS360 Mobile Threat Defense Professional add-on, offers IT administrators a comprehensive, integrated, end-to-end solution that brings together best-in-class endpoint management and mobile threat defense. Administrators can manage and protect their mobile ecosystem from a central point of control with granular endpoint security policies and automated, proactive threat detection and response.

These offerings help organizations from evolving mobile threats. Even better, it also can improve employee productivity while reducing risks to corporate data and employee privacy.

Person holding a mobile device which could be subject to a threat attack

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