According to a recent analysis by cybersecurity solutions company Kaspersky, attacks on mobile devices saw a significant surge last year, with a 50% increase compared to the previous year.
The Kaspersky report reveals a significant rise in mobile threats, reaching a total of nearly 33.8 million attacks in 2023.
Adware emerged as the most prevalent, constituting 40.8% of all detected threats. This increase in attacks signifies a concerning trend in the mobile security landscape, emphasizing the growing sophistication of malicious tools and tactics targeting smartphones and tablets.
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The number of attacks using mobile bankers remained relatively steady, while the installation packages for banking Trojans experienced a drop after a sharp increase the previous year, Kaspersky said.
Cybercriminals are employing various channels to distribute mobile threats, including official and unofficial app stores. Kaspersky’s experts noted a rise in malicious applications infiltrating Google Play, with fake investment apps and modified versions of messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram being commonly used to steal user data.
“The surge in Android malware and riskware activity throughout 2023 marks a concerning shift after a period of relative calm,” Anton Kivva, mobile security expert at Kaspersky, said in a media release. “Reaching levels reminiscent of early 2021 by year-end, this uptick underscores the significant threat users face. It’s a stark reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant and implementing robust security measures to protect against evolving cyber threats.”
To mitigate the risks associated with mobile threats, Kaspersky recommends several precautionary measures:
- Download apps exclusively from official stores like the Apple App Store, Google Play, or Amazon Appstore, where there is a degree of scrutiny and filtration.
- Carefully review app permissions before granting access, especially for high-risk permissions such as Accessibility Services.
- Utilize reliable security solutions like Kaspersky Premium to detect and prevent malicious apps and adware.
- Regularly update operating systems and essential apps to address security vulnerabilities and mitigate potential risks.