More and more people are using mobile devices both in everyday life and in companies. This also increases the risk of “mobile spyware”, a new type of cyber threat. Companies should know how to protect themselves against this.
As the term spyware (read: espionage malware) suggests, this type of threat can often go unnoticed until the damage has occurred, says Thomas Boele, Regional Director Sales Engineering, CER / DACH at Check Point Software Technologies.
The growing reliance on mobile technology therefore makes it imperative for all organizations to identify and mitigate the dangers associated with mobile spyware.
This is how mobile spyware works
The subtle yet significant threat of mobile spyware requires attention as this type of malware often sneaks into portable devices such as cell phones unnoticed and could then carry out various malicious activities. The real challenge for defenders is spyware's ability to disguise itself. It often hides in applications that look safe or in seemingly routine updates.
For example: Users might download an application that appears fine on the surface but actually contains spyware; or: they fall for phishing emails in which a simple click on a dubious link or attachment triggers the download of the spyware.
Complicating the threat is zero-click malware (more on that here), a type of spyware that requires no action from the user to install. It exploits vulnerabilities in the device's software or operating system. Once installed, the spyware can cause major damage, such as stealing sensitive company data or personal information.
The best defense against mobile spyware
To effectively combat mobile spyware, companies should pursue a multifaceted strategy that goes beyond simply implementing standard security measures:
- Regular software updates: It is critical that all portable device software is kept up to date. Software updates typically contain fixes for security vulnerabilities that spyware could exploit.
- IT security training: Employees at all levels need to be trained to identify threats such as suspicious applications and phishing emails. Awareness is an important tool in the fight against spyware.
- Robust security policies: Implementing and enforcing comprehensive security policies regarding the use of portable devices can significantly reduce the likelihood of a spyware attack. This includes regulating the installation of apps and the use of public WiFi networks.
- Advanced security solutions: An advanced IT security architecture that covers different attack paths at the same time with various components from a single source is required to really prevent mobile spyware.
Characteristics of a suitable security solution
A comprehensive approach is required instead of combining individual special capabilities of different products. This protects portable devices at all possible points of attack: applications, networks and the operating system itself. This ensures robust protection - not just against spyware, but against all forms of mobile malware. The user-friendliness of the security solution must be maintained so that the existing protective measures neither affect handling nor privacy.
This balance is critical to maintaining productivity without compromising safety. Important features of such a product must be advanced network security features such as safe browsing and anti-phishing. Real-time risk assessments and file protection effectively close vulnerabilities and prevent malicious files from being downloaded.
Conclusion
The threat of mobile spyware is a fact that cannot be ignored in the digitalized corporate environment. As wearable devices have become an integral part of business operations, protecting them from sophisticated spyware attacks is paramount. For this purpose, there are suitable security products, the rules of thumb mentioned above and literature in the form of white papers.
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About check point Check Point Software Technologies GmbH (www.checkpoint.com/de) is a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions for public administrations and companies worldwide. The solutions protect customers from cyberattacks with an industry leading detection rate for malware, ransomware and other types of attacks. Check Point offers a multi-level security architecture that protects company information in cloud environments, networks and on mobile devices, as well as the most comprehensive and intuitive “one point of control” security management system. Check Point protects over 100.000 businesses of all sizes.