Smartphones and tablets are part of the routine of most people and have become essential for the daily activities of many professionals. As these devices became more popular, cyberattacks also increased. According to a survey conducted by Kaspersky, in 2023 there was a 50% increase in the volume of invasions of mobile devices compared to the previous year. Worldwide, 33.8 million attacks were recorded in 2023, compared to 22 million incidents in 2022.
“Just like computers, since they are connected to the internet, mobile devices are also exposed and susceptible to hacking. Therefore, we recommend that users exercise the same caution on their cell phones as they do on their computers when accessing unknown pages or links, avoiding the installation of viruses and other threats that could lead to data leaks,” highlights Fábio Fukushima, cybersecurity specialist and director of L8 Security.
He explains that there are many ways criminals use to invade devices. Among the most common are those that use malware, including viruses, Trojans, spyware, and ransomware. In general, these software can be installed through downloads from untrustworthy applications or malicious links.
Another well-known attack is phishing, which usually begins with an email or message containing a malicious link or attachment from a fake website impersonating a known page. "In these cases, the goal is to deceive the user into providing sensitive information, such as passwords and bank details, which can be used in other cybercrimes," warns Fukushima. "And there are also exploits of vulnerabilities, in which hackers exploit vulnerabilities in the operating system or applications to gain unauthorized access to the device," he adds.
One of the main recommendations to avoid this type of action is to install only essential applications that are available on official stores such as Google Play or Apple App Store. The specialist gives three tips to increase the protection of mobile devices.
- Keep the software up to date: make sure that your smartphone's operating system and all applications are always updated. Updates often include security patches that protect against known vulnerabilities.
- Use two-factor authentication: enable two-factor authentication on all accounts and apps that offer this option (banking apps, email accounts, social networks, and messaging apps). This adds an extra layer of protection, requiring a second factor (such as a code sent to your phone or the use of a code generator) in addition to the password.
- Install a reliable antivirus: use a reputable antivirus software to protect your device against malware and other threats. Many antivirus programs also offer additional features, such as protection against phishing, app verification, and Wi-Fi network security.
“Another widely used gateway is connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. This can expose the device to man-in-the-middle attacks, where hackers intercept data transmitted between the device and the network, thus stealing important information from users. Therefore, the recommendation is to avoid connecting to untrusted networks,” highlights Fukushima.
