Hackers are always searching for new innovative ways to make money. Researchers are constantly finding evidence that malicious activities and software are growing.
Modus Operandi
There are many new cybercrimes areas that we can see growing such as mobile ransomware, botnets, malicious apps, hacking trading services online or even mobile tap and pay services.
Mobile ransomware was found common in Pcs, however, it has moved to mobile devices. Criminals will hijack your ability to access all of the data on your phone, or they can even use your phone without you realizing it. They will later ask you to pay them an amount of ransom to get your data back.
Botnets are a network of computers that are infected by and controlled by criminals for their malicious activities. These are the largest source of spam emails. Aside from those two, we also have malicious apps. These apps are able to buy other apps from app stores without your permission and with your money. The money will later go to the criminals. The scarier part is that there are a growing number of cases where this happens without you installing any application.
Mobile tap and pay service are also getting much more vulnerable. As we can see, there are many smartphones and even Iphones who have their NFC ( Near Field Communication), that enables people to pay their purchases by simply tapping and paying via their cell phones. This is because they have installed a digital wallet that is directly tied to their bank account or even credit card.
This is where it gets scary. Thieves who want the cash can steal your money simply by using the “bump and infect” method. If you need any protection, you can search for private investigator Birmingham.
Security measures
There are various security measures that you can employ in order to keep your mobile devices safe.
- Security software
With mobile devices getting much more vulnerable to cyber attacks, and it is one device where we centralized all of our information. It is important that you ensure that you protect your smartphone just as you might protect your computer. Consider using security software that will protect your phone from malware, virus, and the loss of information.
- Better password
Creating a better password is the key to ensure your safety. Avoid using your pet's name or maiden’s name in your password. Ensure that your password is at least eight characters long and combine symbols, numbers and letters. Use a phrase instead of a word will increase your password safety tremendously.
- Bank statement and mobile charges
This is what we neglect to do most of the time. Ensure that you keep checking your bank statement as well as any charges. You can synchronize your credit card charges with your mobile phone number. This way, you will get notified for every one of the charges that you make, or anyone makes through your credit card.
- Updates
Ensure that you updated your application and your system update as soon as possible. The reason why tech companies roll out updates on a regular basis is also to improve the security patch of their own mobile.
