What is Mobile Malware?

Mobile malware is malicious software specifically designed to target mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. Similar to how they work in computers, mobile malware is used to steal confidential data from the user. There are many types of mobile malware variants and different methods of distribution and infection.

As more users are steadily moving away from desktop operating systems and favoring mobile devices instead, it was only a matter of time before hackers switched tactics. Mobile malware are less pervasive than those that target desktops However, as more and more sensitive and potentially high-value tasks are carried out on mobile devices, mobile security threats are fast becoming a growing concern.

Types of Mobile Malware

There are many types of malware for mobile devices, all of which can steal your data if you unknowingly let them in your phone. Here are some of the most common types:

Spyware and Madware

Spyware is perhaps the most common malware known to everyone. It masquerades as a legitimate app or document, connecting with email and other apps that house personal and confidential information. Spyware can do many things, but the most well-known is stealing your username and password and sending this information to someone else.

Madware, short for mobile adware, usually finds its way onto a mobile phone through the installation of a script or program and often without the consent of the user. Madware takes over a mobile phone’s browser and automatically modifies it to show ads.

Most madware variants usually include an element of spyware, which collects information about your internet usage and sends it on to a third party. This data may include details about your location, your passwords and your contacts.

Trojans

A trojan malware disguises itself as a legitimate app. Once the user opens this app, the malware is activated. A trojan infects the operating system by deactivating other apps or freezing the device itself. However, most mobile trojans have something much more malicious in mind like mining for passwords and banking information from users who conduct their banking business — including money transfers and bill payments — from their mobile devices.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware attack that encrypts a victim’s data or locks him out from his device and demand a “ransom” payment — usually in untraceable Bitcoin. Once the victim pays the ransom, a decryption key or access codes are provided to allow him to unlock his mobile device and retrieve his data. If the ransom payment is not made, the malicious actor publishes the data on data leak sites (DLS) or blocks access to the files in perpetuity.

Cryptomining Malware

Cryptomining Malware enables attackers to covertly execute calculations on a victim’s device – allowing them to generate cryptocurrency. Cryptomining is often conducted through Trojan code that is hidden in legitimate-looking apps.

The main problem is that the mining process overtaxes the infected device’s hardware, leading to overheating and even permanent damage. The malware developers have no interest in keeping the device functional beyond the time required for them to extract as much cryptocurrency as possible from it.

Mobile Phishing

Although mobile phishing itself is not malicious software, it is one of the means that cybercriminals use to infect mobile devices with malware.

Mobile phishing is a more sophisticated version of phishing that’s typically used in computers. Traditional phishing techniques involve criminals sending emails to users that appear to originate from a trusted source. Mobile phishing takes this tactic one step further and uses SMS messages and applications to deliver mobile malware that can collect account numbers, passwords and more.

How to Protect Against Mobile Malware

Having malware on your smartphone can be a pretty scary thought, especially since you use it for many things—including financial transactions. Still, there are a number of things you can do to protect your device from infection.

• Keep applications updated: By running the newest version of every application on your mobile phone, you can ensure that you are running the version with the latest security patches and updates. Application developers will often release a new update or version if their software is compromised in any way.

• Install mobile security software: Just like antivirus software protects a computer from viruses and malware, a mobile security application will do the same thing. Just be sure to install an upgraded security app that will give you protection not only against viruses and malware but also against a breach of your privacy, like RedFox Mobile Security for example.

• Only download apps from official stores: All apps available on the Apple App Store and Google Play have been vetted to ensure they are safe. That doesn't mean that no app will slip through the net, but you have a much better chance of installing a legitimate app through official sources.

Aside from that, it also requires a little bit of tech literacy. You should always try to discern whether or not a link or program looks like the real thing. If not, then it’s most likely malware.