What is mobile malware, and how do you protect against it?

Mobile devices are essential to the hybrid workforce. Having remote access to critical business systems and data enables teams to communicate, collaborate, and work more efficiently – wherever they are. But this convenience also makes mobile devices an ideal target for cybercriminals. 

Among the growing list of threats, mobile malware is perhaps the most prevalent.

What is mobile malware?

Mobile malware is the umbrella term for malicious software specifically designed to target smartphones, tablets, and similar devices. It comes in various forms:

• Viruses
• Ransomware
• Spyware
• Trojan Horses
• Worms

Cybercriminals employ a range of methods to deliver their nefarious payloads. These include disguising malicious software as legitimate apps – which infiltrate your device when you attempt to download them – and concealing compromised links or attachments in phishing emails and SMSs. Typically, the hacker’s goal is to:

• Lock or delete important files
• Steal sensitive data or hold it to ransom
• Steal bank account details or financial information
• Damage or hijack business devices
• Spy on rival businesses

iOS vs Android: what’s more secure?

Like all Apple products, iOS has built-in safeguards to protect against cyber threats. This makes it more secure than Android, which uses an open-source model. However, neither operating system is infallible.

Common signs of infection

Mobile malware can cause serious harm if left unchecked – from costly operational downtime to reputational damage, fines, and even legal action. So, it’s crucial you know how to spot the signs of infection.

Give your device a thorough health check if you see any of these symptoms.

• Poor performance
• Drained battery
• Overheating
• Frequent crashing
• Persistent pop-ups
• Suspicious app downloads
• Unexplained charges

Business mobile security pillar page ATCTA

8 tips to protect your business devices

Protecting your business devices against mobile malware doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. From using secure Wi-Fi to investing in dedicated mobile device security, here are some quick, cost-effective steps to strengthen your defences.

1. Install security patches immediately

Apple and Android devices receive regular security patches – roughly every month or two. These critical updates fix flaws and vulnerabilities in your device’s operating systems. Install them as soon as possible or switch on automatic updates to close any obvious gaps in your security.

2. Only use trusted apps

Unregulated, third-party app stores are a haven for mobile malware and other cybersecurity threats. Mitigate this risk by enforcing stringent security policies that require employees to use trusted storefronts, like the Apple App Store and Google Play.

3. Avoid suspicious links

As obvious as it might sound, you can significantly reduce your cybersecurity risks by avoiding suspicious links and attachments. If you don’t recognise the sender’s email address, notice something strange about the message, or receive an unusual request, don’t click. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

4. Enforce a strong password policy

Have you ever used a well-known phrase as a password? Maybe a pet’s name? Perhaps you use the same one for every account? Don’t worry; there’s no judgement here. No one really likes passwords, but they’re a crucial component of mobile security.

Keep your devices and data secure by implementing a strong password policy that requires employees to use unique, complex passwords for every device. Follow these best practices to make them easier to manage:

• Use a combination of four random nouns. E.g. fenceplanetoctopussauce
• Use a mixture of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters
• Use a dedicated password manager to generate passwords for you and store them in a secure vault

5. Enable multi-factor authentication

Strong passwords alone may not be enough to deter tenacious cybercriminals. For added protection, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your business devices and accounts. This requires employees to use two or more forms of verification, such as:

• Passwords
• PINs
• Biometrics (e.g., a fingerprint or face scan)
• Software tokens

6. Use password-protected Wi-Fi

Public networks are a convenient gateway to the internet, but they’re also exposed. To prevent cybercriminals from intercepting sensitive messages or launching harmful man-in-the-middle attacks, ensure employees only use password-protected Wi-Fi when working away from the office. If that isn’t possible, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt network data and prevent unauthorised access.

7. Train your employees

68% of all breaches are the result of human error. So, running regular training sessions that teach staff how to identify and respond to cyber risks goes a long way to mitigating them. This includes when and how to share sensitive data, how to spot phishing attempts, and how to remove mobile malware. 

8. Install mobile cybersecurity software

For the highest level of security, you can’t beat dedicated mobile device security software. Designed specifically for smartphones and tablets, it constantly scans devices for common security risks, such as:

• Misconfigurations
• System vulnerabilities
• Suspicious apps
• Malicious content

It can also block untrustworthy websites and repel attacks in real-time. This gives you more time to respond if something does get past your defences.

Mitigate the mobile malware threat

Mobile malware attacks continue to rise as more employees use their smartphones for work. But by understanding the threat and adopting these simple measures, you can enjoy the benefits of hybrid working safely and securely.

Want to know more about mobile specific threats your business faces? Check out our SME Mobile Threat Report.