risk to our security. So are they? The answer to this question is YES. Many times, they can be a risk to our security without our knowledge. How? Let’s talk about it. 1.Encryption If you ask any common mobile user, they will say encryption is such a fun and secure concept where you can share your pictures or chat to anyone without any fear of being tracked, but when we talk to any security expert, they may have their eyebrows raised ! There are various smartphone applications such as Telegram and Whatsapp which claim that they are end-to-end encrypted and even many security professionals or the greatest security agencies are not able to break their encryption protocol (especially Telegram). This is the main reason why it is one of the most preferable applications for everyone, but also for criminals! According to the reports, terrorist organizations like ISIS are using this application for their conversation. So, I hope you understand how dangerous this feature can be to national security. However, there are other ways in which they can still track them, like Facebook or Instagram, or by the people connected to the suspicious person on these apps.

2. Data Leakage

In daily newspapers or from other news channel, we often get to hear news about data leaks from mobile phones. Many applications, such as Baidu Maps v10.24.8 or many other popular apps are accused of data leakage. Sometimes even many security applications, take access to our smartphones but do not provide the security they promise. In any case, you must be aware that mobile phones are frequently the source of data leakage or pose a security risk.

3. Weak Security can harm your business.

We all use smartphones for many purposes, and in 2021, most businesses are working online. As a result, most users are sharing their data from mobiles, doing commercial transactions, or even transferring money from mobiles. But if you don’t take care of security on mobile phones, it may be subjected to data leak or be hacked easily. Install a good mobile security software and keep it always updated. Don’t install unwanted applications. Restrict apps accessing your location or contacts only while you are using them. There is one more issue that many times employees or owners use the same device for both office and personal use, so if anyone can get access to your smartphone, they can harm your professional details and also your personal life at the same time.

4. Weak Passwords are a treat for hackers

With time, security attackers are getting smarter. They can easily get details about you and hack your password, so the password must be strong enough, so that it can’t be easily guessed or cracked by them. Even when you create a password on Google, it shows the scale of your password strength as if it is strong or weak and doesn’t accept it if it is weak. It is very important to keep a password which can’t be guessed easily or can’t be hacked. Use biometric login if feasible on your Mobile.

5. Mistakes in Cryptography

If you are familiar with cryptography, you may have an idea of how it works, but many applications that promise encryption use weaker cryptography that can be easily hacked or broken by hackers or security attackers, resulting in significant data loss. Use only reputed and approved applications. Read online reviews before installing any new applications.

6. Phishing attacks

Mobile phones are always with users, and therefore they mostly check their email through mobile phones. But small screens do not display many details about the sender, which is why many users face phishing attacks on them. So next time, until it’s not necessary, never open or click on any link which is not familiar to you on your smartphone.

7. Not all Wifi is secure.

Most users don’t want to waste their mobile data when they get free wifi, say at restaurants , hotels or airport. These wifi’s are mostly not secure and you open the door to your personal details to hackers by accepting them, as they can easily get access to your bank details, your password, your PayPal or other things. So, for your security, always be cautious when using these free wifi services, and never use any confidential app while on free wifi. Smartphones cannot be ignored or completely trusted; but be aware that you need to take care of mobile security seriously and use it judiciously. About SNS Secure Network Solutions (SNS) is a Cyber Security-focused company helping businesses use the internet safely for the last 21 years. For any cyber security concerns and to protect your business against cyber-attacks, feel free to write us at: [email protected]