In the digital era of today, it wouldn’t be wrong to say mobile devices rule the world and apps are just another way of adding convenience to our lives.
But wait, with the good does come some bad. A leading number of studies have focused on how so many mobile applications are more than meets the eye, in terms of security and privacy standards. Moreover, they’ve also been accused by tech experts of turning a blind eye to some leading concerns in the world of cybersecurity.
Remember, these smart gadgets are involved in sharing tons of pictures and texts with figures running in billions each day. Hence, while you may believe they’ve completely changed our lives for the better, there are some things worth a second glance.
One particular example that deserves a special mention is related to a recent report that has gone as far as highlighting how 38% of app users were totally clueless about their locations being exposed.
The report by Licel, which is a leading name in providing security solutions, has proven through their recent study how 38% of app users claim to have not known that their locations were up for grabs through social media.
In the past, our data sharing on mobile phones were solely restricted to texting and sending out contacts. Today, however, it’s a whole new ballgame. It’s a common notion to see users sharing their personal details like account numbers, credit card information, images, videos, app IDs, profiles, and even health. And that is exactly why experts claim these apps are common targets for hackers.
It’s no surprise that online banking has really upped its game in terms of giving users the convenience of the best kind. Who needs to go out when you can make your transactions through the simple click of a button. But the drawback is how attractive this feature appears to criminals on the run.
Not only can they bypass all security protocols in place, but they also have the ability to tap into systems and fidget with their core workings.
The report highlights how malware, middle man attacks, and cloning of apps are just the start of how users become more and more vulnerable to the growing online threats of financial apps.
In the same way, it was shocking for researchers to find how so many of the biggest banking apps lacked serious security protocols. This included the likes of keylogging identification, measures to block screen recording, inhibiting remote tools, and algorithms related to cryptography.
And of the leading threats of them all has to do with SMS phishing, where users are attacked because they like placing more trust in their mobile devices and hence tend to leave their guards down.
The CEO of Licel has mentioned how the pandemic was an ideal time for phishing where actors sent through tons of scam messages on users’ smartphones. That gave rise to the realization of how big of a target your device was, but again, it failed to highlight how apps are another point worth worrying about.
As Licel mentions, just because you find an app on the Play Store or App Store, it does not mean it’s absolutely safe for you to download. And that’s exactly why reports like these are the need of the hour to debunk such alarming myths.
The Licel report also outlines how only 37% of users with Android devices felt the need to update their apps, making them more vulnerable to attack in the long run.
Last but not least, the new report has gone into detail about how so many operating systems are now facing great criticism for pulling the curtain on dangerous applications that fully expose users’ data.
With that being said, it’s important to realize that we all have an equally important role to play for a safer ecosystem and can’t always rely on others.
Read next: Transactional emails titled 'no reply' irritates a large percentage of consumers, says research
But wait, with the good does come some bad. A leading number of studies have focused on how so many mobile applications are more than meets the eye, in terms of security and privacy standards. Moreover, they’ve also been accused by tech experts of turning a blind eye to some leading concerns in the world of cybersecurity.
Remember, these smart gadgets are involved in sharing tons of pictures and texts with figures running in billions each day. Hence, while you may believe they’ve completely changed our lives for the better, there are some things worth a second glance.
One particular example that deserves a special mention is related to a recent report that has gone as far as highlighting how 38% of app users were totally clueless about their locations being exposed.
The report by Licel, which is a leading name in providing security solutions, has proven through their recent study how 38% of app users claim to have not known that their locations were up for grabs through social media.
In the past, our data sharing on mobile phones were solely restricted to texting and sending out contacts. Today, however, it’s a whole new ballgame. It’s a common notion to see users sharing their personal details like account numbers, credit card information, images, videos, app IDs, profiles, and even health. And that is exactly why experts claim these apps are common targets for hackers.
It’s no surprise that online banking has really upped its game in terms of giving users the convenience of the best kind. Who needs to go out when you can make your transactions through the simple click of a button. But the drawback is how attractive this feature appears to criminals on the run.
Not only can they bypass all security protocols in place, but they also have the ability to tap into systems and fidget with their core workings.
The report highlights how malware, middle man attacks, and cloning of apps are just the start of how users become more and more vulnerable to the growing online threats of financial apps.
In the same way, it was shocking for researchers to find how so many of the biggest banking apps lacked serious security protocols. This included the likes of keylogging identification, measures to block screen recording, inhibiting remote tools, and algorithms related to cryptography.
And of the leading threats of them all has to do with SMS phishing, where users are attacked because they like placing more trust in their mobile devices and hence tend to leave their guards down.
The CEO of Licel has mentioned how the pandemic was an ideal time for phishing where actors sent through tons of scam messages on users’ smartphones. That gave rise to the realization of how big of a target your device was, but again, it failed to highlight how apps are another point worth worrying about.
As Licel mentions, just because you find an app on the Play Store or App Store, it does not mean it’s absolutely safe for you to download. And that’s exactly why reports like these are the need of the hour to debunk such alarming myths.
The Licel report also outlines how only 37% of users with Android devices felt the need to update their apps, making them more vulnerable to attack in the long run.
Last but not least, the new report has gone into detail about how so many operating systems are now facing great criticism for pulling the curtain on dangerous applications that fully expose users’ data.
With that being said, it’s important to realize that we all have an equally important role to play for a safer ecosystem and can’t always rely on others.
Read next: Transactional emails titled 'no reply' irritates a large percentage of consumers, says research
