How Are Smartphones Attacked?

October 15, 2013

 

Criminals Can Physically Gain Access to Your Smartphone

smartphoine_security_mgnA person who gains access to your smartphone can physically install surveillance spyware.  An online search for “smartphone spy” pulls up software that promises “it doesn’t matter if the user tries to delete their tracks by deleting their data. This flexible spy software records the activities instantly after they happen and stores them to a small hidden file on the phone. The file is then uploaded to your web-based account.”

Even scarier, certain spyware can “turn on” your phone’s microphone and camera, using it to listen and see what’s going on around you.  Spyware can also track and record your location.  Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to detect spyware on your own.

Protect yourself:

  • Password protect your phone. As always, make sure you use a strong password.
  • Do not allow your smartphone to automatically remember login passwords for access to email, VPN, and other accounts.
  • Use your phone’s security lockout feature. Set the phone to automatically lock after a certain amount of time not in use.
  • Also install security software that allows you to remotely lock your phone and wipe the data.  Never leave your phone unattended.

Through Public Wi-Fi Networks and Bluetooth

When your smartphone uses a public Wi-Fi network to connect to the Internet (for example, in an airport or coffee shop), it may be possible for others to “see” the data being transmitted by your smartphone unless the data has VPN or SSL protection. This data could be what you are typing (worst-case scenario: your bank account log-in information) or it could be information being collected by an app you are using.

Similarly, when you use Bluetooth, make sure you know and trust the connection.  Turn off your Bluetooth function when you are not using it.

Protect yourself:

  • Use Wi-Fi networks cautiously. Do not conduct activities that use sensitive information such as mobile banking.
  • Before connecting to any network, make sure it is one you trust.  Bad actors can set up fake public networks that are only used for malicious purposes.

By Tricking You or Exploiting Your Trust

Often, cybercriminals work by exploiting consumer trust and convincing them that their links, URLs, applications or files are safe.  However, they may also infiltrate legitimate software. Therefore, we recommend that you install your choice of mobile security software.

Protect yourself:

  • When clicking on links, downloading files, and downloading apps, make sure you are aware of and trust the source.
  • Look into installing security software on your smartphone.

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