When a developer places sensitive data in their app, it’s called “unintended data leakage.” When the code of that app processes sensitive information, it leaks it to other apps on the device. This happens because of the operating system of a mobile device. It can also happen due to malware and social engineering. So what are the common ways that your mobile device can be affected? Read on for some tips. Listed below are three major causes of mobile data leakage.
An underground forum selling T-Mobile data has come under fire for its potential to leak personal information. The seller claims to have Social Security numbers, names, addresses and even driver’s license information. The information may already be deleted, but the company wants to protect its customers’ privacy. The problem is that unauthorized transmission of mobile data is a growing concern. To protect yourself from this, keep your data secure through call monitoring. Learn about the latest threats to mobile data security.
Social engineering
Social engineering is a common technique used by hackers to obtain sensitive information from people, including employees, through emails, phone calls, and even physical access to the company’s premises. Social engineers use social media platforms and other vulnerable data to entice employees to give up personal details. This tactic is known as access tailgating, and is as easy as holding the door open for another person. Social engineers can use these techniques to gain access to sensitive data stored on a mobile device.
Pretexting, or using a convincing pretext, is another method used by social engineers. Phishing emails pretend to be from legitimate websites, and the victim must click on them to reveal confidential data. Once the victim clicks on a link or opens a file, the hacker will be able to steal sensitive information, including credit card information and other vital information. These attacks have become a growing concern for consumers and mobile carriers.
Malware
Many smartphone users worry about malware, or malicious software, stealing their mobile data. Malware is a general term for malicious code and whole apps that are designed to infect devices and steal data. They can also be used to blackmail users. Unfortunately, most people do not protect their phones with anti-malware software or keep their operating systems updated. Unlike PCs, Apple phones can be updated for up to five years after launch.
While mobile devices have their own vulnerabilities, these are usually quickly patched, and you should avoid not updating the software on them. Like any computer, mobile devices are vulnerable to malware. Despite the fact that the number of mobile malware threats is only a fraction of those on desktop computers, the rise of mobile devices has made them an increasingly popular target for hackers. This is because mobile devices do not have the same security measures as a desktop.
Poor application security
If an app’s security isn’t up to par, the data it stores can be exposed to cyber attacks. Hackers can obtain credit card numbers and bank transactions if the application doesn’t restrict numeric input. They can also exploit vulnerabilities to gain access to premium features. Because of this, business owners must ensure that their mobile applications are protected from such threats. When security measures are inadequate, a business can lose a valuable customer – and its reputation – as well.
A recent case demonstrates how dangerous poor mobile application security can be. A security breach caused by an application that wasn’t properly protected resulted in the theft of personal information from more than 20,000 users. This resulted in significant customer confusion. In the aftermath of the security breach, Air Canada representatives had to disable accounts temporarily and request that users create new login-password combinations. Sadly, this incident affected the loyalty of their clients and led to the company taking measures to earn back those lost reputation points.
Phishing attacks
Phishing attacks on mobile devices are becoming increasingly common. These fraudulent emails often appear to be from legitimate businesses or companies, but in many cases they are fake. The data leakage they cause can have serious consequences, including revenue loss and the compromise of customer data. They can also compromise industry research or even costly formulas. Regardless of whether the email is a hoax or a legitimate one, the consequences can be significant.
With more users using mobile devices, phishing attacks on mobile devices have become an ever-growing threat to organizations. The number of end users using mobile devices for business purposes has risen sharply, and many employees use their mobile devices for personal communication. This has exacerbated the problem. Phishers have become increasingly sophisticated in their tactics, focusing on realistic attacks. They can even replicate the look and feel of legitimate brands, including fonts, logos, and color schemes.
Check this infographic to learn more about mobile data leakage.
