What is mobile security? Core concepts and prevention

What is mobile security?

Mobile security is a set of tools and processes that protect mobile devices from malware, data theft, and other cyberattacks. Mobile cybersecurity covers smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices. It’s a broad category of preventive measures meant to keep your device and data safe.

Why is mobile security important?

Your mobile device contains a huge amount of personal information. If a hacker were to infiltrate your smartphone, they’d likely find your name, birthday, location history, and even your financial information. If you use your smartphone for work, they could also find sensitive information that puts your company at risk.

If a hacker were to access this information, it could have devastating consequences. They could sell your personal details on the dark web, putting you at risk for identity theft. They could then use your information to launch larger cyberattacks in the future. 

Because mobile devices contain so much sensitive data, they’ve become a popular target for cyberattacks. For example, 82% of phishing websites opens in a new tab now target mobile devices. Hackers know that the average internet user relies heavily on their smartphone for daily tasks and that many people don’t implement proper mobile device measures for internet security. 

What are the main types of mobile security?

Mobile security covers several areas that help keep devices and personal information safe:

• Application security. Choosing secure apps from trusted developers, updating them regularly, and adjusting each app’s permissions to protect your data. 
• Network security. Sticking to secure private Wi-Fi networks when possible, using a VPN to encrypt your connection, and sharing a mobile hotspot only with trusted users. 
• Device security. Keeping your device’s hardware updated, using strong passcodes and biometrics to limit access, and taking advantage of antivirus and antimalware tools to prevent attacks. 
• Data security. Protecting sensitive data on your device, such as your address and bank account details, from exposure with strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.

Types of mobile security threats

Cybercriminals use many different methods to hack your smartphone or other mobile device. The following threats are among the most common and dangerous.

Note that most of these threats below also affect desktop computers. 

Phishing attacks

In a phishing attack, a hacker will send you a message that appears to come from a trusted source. For example, the message might look like it’s coming from Google, Amazon, or your bank. It’s a form of social engineering that exploits your trust for the hacker’s gain. 

Phishing messages usually contain dangerous links or attachments. 

• A link takes you to a fake website, prompting you to enter sensitive information. Hackers use these sites to steal your username and password and take over your accounts.
• Attachments lead to malware downloads, which could damage your mobile device, expose sensitive data, or monitor your activity.

Phishing can happen through many channels, including email, social media, text messages, QR codes, or phone calls. SMS phishing messages are called “smishing,” phishing attacks distributed via QR codes are called “quishing,” and voice-based phishing attacks are called “vishing.” 

Generative AI tools and voice clones have made it easier than ever for hackers to launch vishing attacks because they can use deepfake tools to sound like someone you trust. Quishing is also on the rise because QR codes now appear everywhere — on parking meters, restaurant menus, posters, and flyers.

Mobile malware

Malware is any type of malicious software designed to harm you or your device. Mobile malware is specifically built to infect smartphones and tablets. 

Ransomware is a dangerous type of malware that encrypts the files on your device and demands a ransom to restore access. Spyware monitors your activity and, in some cases, can access your camera and microphone. Pegasus is a well-documented example of advanced commercial spyware. 

Adware and cryptojacking programs are two more common threats. Adware displays unwanted or malicious ads on your device, while cryptojacking programs use it to mine cryptocurrency in the background without your consent. 

Unsecured Wi-Fi networks

Public Wi-Fi networks at restaurants, hotels, parks, and public transport stations are often open and not properly secured. Hackers can use them to spy on you or launch attacks. 

One of the most dangerous types of public Wi-Fi attacks is a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack, where a hacker intercepts traffic between your device and the destination. Hackers can also use packet sniffing techniques to spy on your activity. In some cases, criminals can create an evil-twin network that looks like a legitimate public Wi-Fi network. If you connect to this network, the hacker can monitor your activity and steal your information. 

Always practice public Wi-Fi safety when on your mobile device, especially if you use mobile banking or share sensitive information. Use a VPN to encrypt your connection so it’s harder for attackers to see what you’re doing, even if they intercept your traffic.

Fake and malicious apps

Many cybercriminals create fake apps to spy on you and steal sensitive data. While these apps look legitimate and appear in app stores, they can seriously damage your device.  

Legitimate mobile apps can also pose security risks. For example, riskware is legitimate software with weak permissions, poor security controls, or vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. That’s why it’s crucial to be careful when downloading new apps and review app permissions of every app you use.

Bluetooth-based attacks

Bluetooth connects your phone to other devices, such as headphones and car speakers but can also open your device up to external threats. Hackers can exploit your Bluetooth vulnerabilities to access your data or even lock you out of your device without you realizing it.  

Lost or stolen devices

Physical loss or theft of a mobile device can lead to significant security risks, especially if the device is unlocked and not encrypted. If a threat actor steals your unlocked phone, they could access everything on it, including your banking app, inbox, messaging apps, 2FA authenticator app, and data stored on the device. A stranger having access to your banking app could put your funds at risk, while if they got access to other apps may help them take over your accounts or perform identity theft.

If you don’t act quickly, the thief could have time for a SIM swap attack — transferring your number to a new SIM card they control. A SIM swap would let them bypass multi-factor authentication even if you locked them out of your device remotely. 

Operating system and software vulnerabilities

Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in outdated mobile operating systems and apps to launch their attacks. Developers release updates and patches as soon as these vulnerabilities are detected to fix the problems and protect your devices.

However, many people put off installing mobile device updates, leaving their devices at risk. This situation often happens when users aren’t aware of the updates or feel like the updates will take too long to install. Some smartphones give you the option to schedule automatic updates while your device is charging, which can help keep you safe and secure.

Jailbreaking or rooting vulnerabilities

Some people use jailbreaking or rooting strategies to customize their mobile devices. This process happens when you remove the manufacturer’s security restrictions, allowing you to download apps from outside approved app stores and even to change the phone’s interface. 

While this customization might seem like an easy way to personalize your phone, it opens you up to a wide range of security risks. For example, jailbroken phones are more vulnerable to malware because they don’t have restrictions on the apps you can download. Jailbreaking your phone also disables automatic updates, which can make your phone even more vulnerable.

iOS vs. Android: Which is more secure?

Both iOS and Android offer solid baseline protection, but neither is fully secure with default settings alone. When comparing iOS and Android security, iOS has a smaller attack surface due to its tightly controlled app ecosystem, strict App Store review process, and centralized OS updates. Android’s more open ecosystem — including the ability to install apps from outside the Play Store and varying update policies across manufacturers — can create more opportunities for cybercriminals. 

How to protect your mobile device

Your phone holds your messages, photos, and bank access — these tips will help you keep it secure.

Use a digital security app

Mobile security apps have tools to protect your device and your data from outside threats. Installing one provides an extra layer of protection for your device and peace of mind for you. 

For example, NordVPN is an all-in-one* digital security app that combines a VPN with additional security features to block malicious activity. The VPN encrypts your internet traffic to prevent cybercriminals from spying on you. As you browse, NordVPN’s real-time protection blocks malicious domains associated with phishing scams and trackers collect your data for third parties. NordVPN also offers call and message protection, which flags suspicious callers and malicious text messages.. 

* “All-in-one” refers to the VPN, scam protection, phishing protection, tracker and ad blocking, and other features available within the NordVPN app, depending on your device and the plan you choose.

Keep your OS and apps updated

Many hackers exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated operating systems and mobile apps. One of the easiest ways to improve your smartphone security is to update your devices regularly. 

Developers release new updates and patches to correct discovered vulnerabilities. Installing them as soon as they are available can limit your exposure. The easiest way to do this is to turn on auto-updates in your settings. This way, your system and your apps will update overnight while your phone is charging, and you won’t have to manually install new updates. 

Use strong authentication and biometrics

Strong authentication measures ensure that only you can access your phone. Start by using a strong screen lock mechanism to keep others from physically unlocking your phone. Biometrics like Face ID or a fingerprint unlock are harder for attackers to replicate. If you prefer not to use biometrics, stick to a PIN or passcode instead of an unlock pattern. 

Additionally, protect every sensitive account on your device with a strong, unique password. If you struggle with creating passwords, you can use a password manager to create and store them for you. Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) for every account that supports it. MFA can protect your account in case your password is compromised. 

Audit app permissions

Audit your app permissions regularly so each app only gets the access it needs. Be cautious about granting access to your location, camera, microphone, and contacts. Sharing this data with apps that don’t need it puts your privacy and data security at risk. During your audit, remove any apps you don’t use anymore to reduce your risk even further.  

Avoid public Wi-Fi networks

Public Wi-Fi networks carry real security risks, so avoid them when you can. In particular, stick to private home or work networks for sensitive tasks like banking. If you have to connect to a public Wi-Fi network, use a VPN for security. 

Back up your data

Your phone holds valuable data, including your photos, contacts, and work documents. Back up this data regularly to either a trusted cloud storage service or a local hard drive. Then, if ransomware hits or your phone gets stolen, you won’t lose all of this data permanently. 

Enable stolen device protection and remote wipe

Both iOS and Android have tools to help you find your device if it gets lost — Find My on Apple devices and Find My Device on Android. Both operating systems also have remote wipe options. If you think your device has been stolen, you can wipe it to protect your data. 

If you have an iPhone, turn on Stolen Device Protection, which adds extra checks when your phone is away from familiar locations. Many Android phones offer similar anti-theft features, though the exact options depend on the manufacturer.