2 Billion Mobile Users Easy Hacking Targets
By: Jim Stickley and Tina Davis
May 14, 2018
How many mobile users run the same security programs on their devices that they use for their home computers? Experts say not many. Still others fail to apply security patches when they’re available. Employers show a huge uptick in personnel using their smartphones and tablets to work remotely. This widespread lack of security translates into huge numbers of targets ripe for cyber hacking. According to a mobile threat study by Check Point Research, individuals not only open themselves to all types of personal hacks like ransomware and stolen data, but their employers are becoming targets as well. The report claims a startling 44% of smartphones used by financial sector staff held remote access Trojans.
The proliferation of a mobile device use for work leaves more and more businesses open to cyberattack. Many employers do have a “BYOD” (Bring Your Own Device) policy that is rapidly gaining in popularity. This is a good thing. If you allow personal mobile devices onto your work network, this should be most certainly be in place. Other companies provide staffers with mobile devices. But that doesn't mean a policy for use of those isn't important.
Either way, the threat of hacking is there. According to one study “One of the most challenging trends in mobile security, however, is that employees don’t fully understand the risks inherent in mobile devices.”
Company leaders are realizing cyber security training for employees is as critical as keeping their data systems updated. Not only is workforce training for mobile security gaining traction, the need for it to be a continuing effort is just as crucial. As cyber thieves continue finding new avenues of attack and improving the intensity of what works, so goes the need for continuing employee education.
Employee Mobile Device Statistics
- 59% of organizations allow employees to use their own devices for work purposes.
- 87% of companies rely on their employees using personal devices for business.
- 71% of employees spend 2+ hours accessing work on a mobile device.
- 60% of employees use mobile devices for work-related activity.