Our mobile phones make working from anywhere possible, but at what cost? Our security team offers valuable advice on mobile IT cybersecurity in Altamonte Springs.

Businesses know that mobile devices make their employees more productive by providing them access to work at any time from any location. When you step away from your desk, you must remain vigilant to keep your mobile device and information safe. 

Did you know that mobile devices now account for more than 60 percent of digital fraud? Our cybersecurity team at Dytech Group has compiled a list of the top mobile device security threats for 2023 along with tips on how to improve your IT cybersecurity in Altamonte Springs.

You’ll find that many of these security threats are the same for mobile devices as they are for your desktop system in your office. The problem is that we tend to think of our mobile phones as more secure because they’re always in our hands, pockets, or purses. We must remember that they are simply smaller versions of our desktop systems with potentially more security vulnerabilities.

Poor Password Security

Let’s start with the basics. A strong password is the best way to protect your data. Today’s smartphones can be unlocked with more than an alphanumeric password so you may think that your unique fingerprint or face is the best way to gain access to your device. Wrong. 

Imagine a scenario where you are forced to put in your fingerprint password. There is also a slight risk that your fingerprint could be stolen which would have immense loss potential. And while your face is unique to you, it is not as safe as an alphanumeric password. Stick to the basics and choose a strong password for your phone. 

Apps With Weak Security

How many apps do you have on your phone right now? In 2020, the average smartphone user had 40 apps installed on their phone. By 2022, that number has exploded to 80. But we use less than ten in a day and maybe 30 in a month. All those apps have varying levels of security and can make your data susceptible to attack. App developers do not have to follow any security standards and there is no way for a user to know the true level of security of any app they download. 

The best way to keep your information secure while enjoying TikTok, Candy Crush, or any other app, is to be cautious about giving an app permission to access your contacts or other personal information. And never store sensitive data like your Social Security Number or date of birth on your smartphone. 

Malicious Apps, Spyware, And Phishing

Some apps just have lax security while others are actively trying to collect your personal information. As a general rule, if an app looks too good to be true (it offers something of value for free, for example), it probably is. Once downloaded, a malicious app can lock your phone, steal your data, or transfer money from your bank account through your mobile banking app.

Similarly, spyware downloaded with a malicious app can monitor a user’s emails, texts, keystrokes, and location. Phishing attempts typically come through email but they’re becoming more prevalent through text messages as well. These “SMS phishing” attempts are called smishing, and they’re becoming more popular by the day. When you click a link in a text to confirm a transaction or check a security notice from your bank, you could be giving a hacker access to your phone’s data.

Our advice is to beware of apps that ask for a long list of permissions and never click links in a text unless you know the sender (and even then, verify the message by calling).

Dytech Group’s Recommendations for mobile device IT cybersecurity in Altamonte Springs

These are only a few examples of threats to your mobile device, so you must be aware of what data you store on your smartphone. Our IT security team can offer you and your employees more best practices if you need training or other resources to keep your data safe. Contact us today.