2017 Mobile Threat Landscape report<\/a>, there are a few specific threats \u2013 including historically dangerous issues yet to be addressed by many enterprises, and emerging strategies growing in usage with cyber hackers \u2013 that business and IT leaders should be aware of.<\/p>\nMobile ransomware<\/h3>\n
By now, most companies and users are aware of ransomware \u2013 robust attacks that involve encryption to lock users out of their operating systems, applications and data. These instances also include a ransom request which notes that users will be provided the decryption key and returned access to their data and systems upon payment. In many instances, organizations have paid attackers only to be met with a second ransom request or without ever being re-granted access to their system.<\/p>\n
When it first emerged, ransomware traditionally impacted desktops and spread throughout the network from there. Now, however, attackers have made the jump to mobile devices. In 2017 alone, mobile ransomware increased a whopping 415 percent compared to the previous year. Overall Trend Micro researchers identified more than 468,000 unique mobile ransomware samples last year.<\/p>\n
Security vulnerabilities and exploits<\/h3>\n
Hackers are also leveraging identified security weaknesses in order to breach devices and provide a springboard for larger attacks.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile operating systems are designed with security mechanisms in place, no platform is impervious \u2013 and mobile devices are no different,\u201d Trend Micro researchers explained in the 2017 Mobile Threat Landscape report. \u201cAdded mobile device features expose them to bigger security gaps with potentially greater impact.\u201d<\/p>\n
Last year also saw an increase in the number of these vulnerabilities and exploits, including the likes of BlueBorne, Key Reinstallation Attack (KRACK), Toast Overlay and Janus. BlueBorne alone \u2013 a combination of security flaws affecting\u00a0Bluetooth systems \u2013 impacted 5.3 billion devices.<\/p>\n
Targeted attacks<\/h3>\n
Cyber attackers are also in the business of pinpointing and infecting or attacking a certain mobile device or group of devices specifically in order to further the goal of the hacking campaign they are a part of. For instance, Trend Micro\u2019s report noted that these activities can center around politicians or other government officials, members of the military, journalists, celebrities and other high-profile individuals. This can also include targeting the mobile devices of company leaders, which can then provide an opening for attacking the business itself.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese campaigns focus on stealing messages, contact lists, photos, audio and video files, as well as spying on calls, camera, and their target\u2019s social media,\u201d Trend Micro\u2019s report stated.<\/p>\n
Attacks of this nature increased considerably last year, particularly due to political tensions. Any type of targeted attack \u2013 including specifically those carried out through mobile platforms \u2013 pose a considerable danger to today\u2019s enterprises.<\/p>\n
Security in the age of BYOD<\/h3>\n
While there is surely no turning back the page on BYOD, there are certain steps and strategies enterprises can use to bolster security surrounding the use of mobile devices for corporate purposes:<\/p>\n
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