What is mobile security?

The future of computers and communication lies with mobile devices, such as laptops, tablets and smartphones with desktop computer capabilities. Their size, operating systems, applications and processing power make them ideal to use from any place with an internet connection. With the expansion of ruggedized devices, the Internet of Things (IoT) and operating systems such as Chrome OS, macOS and Windows 10, hardware is becoming more advanced. Every piece of hardware enhanced with this software and its capabilities transforms into a mobile computing device.

Because mobile devices have become more affordable and portable, organizations and users have preferred to buy and use them over desktop computers. With ubiquitous wireless internet access, all varieties of mobile devices are becoming more vulnerable to attacks and data breaches.

Authentication and authorization across mobile devices offer convenience, but increase risk by removing a secured enterprise perimeter’s constraints. For example, multi-touch screens, gyroscopes, accelerometers, GPS, microphones, multi-megapixel cameras and ports enhance a smartphone’s capabilities, allowing users to attach more devices. These new capabilities change the way users are authenticated and how authorization is provided locally to the device and the applications and services on a network. As a result, the new capabilities also increase the number of endpoints that need protection from cybersecurity threats.

Today, cybercriminals can hack into cars, security cameras, baby monitors and implanted healthcare devices. By 2025, there might be more than 75 billion “things” connected to the internet, including cameras, thermostats, door locks, smart TVs, health monitors, lighting fixtures and many other devices.

While it's critical to establish and enforce an enterprise-wide security policy, a policy alone isn't sufficient to counter the volume and variety of today's mobile threats. Verizon conducted a study with leading mobile security companies, including IBM®, Lookout and Wandera, surveying 670 security professionals. The study found that 1 out of 3 of those surveyed reported a compromise involving a mobile device. 47% say that remediation was "difficult and expensive," and 64% say that they suffered downtime. The need for mobile security grows for consumers, too, as online bill payments that use smartphones are expected to reach around USD 6 billion worldwide by 2028, according to an IBM Institute for Business Value study report. Hackers also target this financial activity.

Companies embracing bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies also open themselves to higher security risks. They give possibly unsecured devices access to corporate servers and sensitive databases, opening them to attack. Cybercriminals and fraudsters can exploit these vulnerabilities and cause harm or damage to the user and the organization. They seek trade secrets, insider information and unauthorized access to a secure network to find anything that could be profitable.

Phishing, the number one mobile security threat, is a scamming attempt to steal users’ credentials or sensitive data, such as credit card numbers. Fraudsters send users emails or short message service (SMS) messages (commonly known as text messages) designed to look as though they’re coming from a legitimate source by using fake hyperlinks.

Mobile malware is undetected software, such as a malicious app or spyware, created to damage, disrupt or gain illegitimate access to a client, computer, server or computer network. Ransomware, a form of malware, threatens to destroy or withhold a victim’s data or files unless a ransom is paid to decrypt files and restore access.

Cryptojacking, a form of malware, uses an organization’s computing power or individual’s computer power without their knowledge to mine cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, decreasing a device’s processing abilities and effectiveness.

Unsecured wifi hotspots without a virtual private network (VPN) make mobile devices more vulnerable to cyberattack. Cybercriminals can intercept traffic and steal private information by using methods such as man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks. Cybercriminals can also deceive users into connecting to rogue hotspots, making it easier to extract corporate or personal data.

Cybercriminals have already exploited vulnerabilities in older operating systems, leaving outdated devices exposed to attack. Keeping software up to date is crucial for staying ahead of these threats. Manufacturer updates often include critical security patches to address vulnerabilities that can be actively exploited.

Mobile apps have the power to compromise data privacy through excessive app permissions. App permissions determine an app’s functionality and access to a user’s device and features, such as its microphone and camera. Some apps are riskier than others. Some can be compromised, and sensitive data can be funneled through to untrustworthy third parties.

The core security requirements remain the same for mobile devices as they do for nonmobile computers. In general, the requirements are to maintain and protect confidentiality, integrity, identity and nonrepudiation.

However, today's mobile security trends create new challenges and opportunities, which require a redefinition of security for personal computing devices. For example, capabilities and expectations vary by device form factor (its shape and size), advances in security technologies, rapidly evolving threat tactics and device interaction, such as touch, audio and video.

IT organizations and security teams need to reconsider how to achieve security requirements in light of device capabilities, the mobile threat landscape and changing user expectations. In other words, these professionals need to secure multiple vulnerabilities within the dynamic and massively growing mobile device environment. A secure mobile environment offers protection in six primary areas: enterprise mobility management, email security, endpoint protection, VPN, secure gateways and cloud access security broker.