In a recent report published by Kaspersky, a leading global cybersecurity and digital privacy company, Nigeria has emerged as a prominent hotspot for mobile cyber threats.
The report sheds light on the alarming rise in mobile threats during the second quarter of 2023, particularly in regions like the Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa. This article delves into the key findings of the report, highlighting the types of threats, their prevalence, and recommendations for safeguarding mobile devices.
Rising Threats: Adware and Mobile Banking
The report identifies “adware and mobile banking threats” as the most prevalent mobile threats in the aforementioned regions. Notably, Nigeria saw a staggering 94 percent increase in adware detections, followed by 49 percent in Turkiye, 27 percent in South Africa, 39 percent in Kenya, and 6 percent in the Middle East. This surge in adware signifies a growing concern for mobile users across these regions.
Banking trojans, a category of malware used to pilfer sensitive data related to online banking and e-payment systems, are another cause for alarm. Turkiye witnessed a twofold increase, a staggering 102 percent, in Trojan-Banker detections during Q2 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.
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Mobile Threat Detections on the Rise
Despite the growing reliance on mobile devices for sharing personal data and connecting to corporate networks, the report points out a 5 percent increase in mobile threat detections across Africa, the Middle East, and Turkiye. Fortunately, these threats were effectively blocked by Kaspersky Mobile Solutions, preventing a total of 5.7 million mobile malware, adware, and riskware attacks.
Anton Kivva, Malware Analyst and Team Lead at Kaspersky, highlighted the growing threat landscape. He warned, “With the growing adoption of smartphones and mobile banking in the Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa region, cybercriminals are likely to further increase their targeting of mobile devices.” Kivva predicted a surge in phishing attacks, mobile malware, and malicious apps disguised as legitimate financial services, emphasizing the use of social engineering tactics to deceive users.
Common Mobile Threat: Potentially Unwanted Software (RiskTool)
Among the threats, potentially unwanted software, or RiskTool, emerged as the most common threat to mobile devices, accounting for 30.8 percent of all RiskTool threats. Additionally, the report noted the detection of 370,327 malicious installation packages, including 59,167 packages linked to mobile banking Trojans and 1,318 packages related to mobile ransomware Trojans.
The statistics presented in the report highlight the prevalence of threats on Android devices, which enjoy a dominant market share in the Middle East, Africa, and Turkiye. While Apple devices are not immune to cyber threats, their security is more challenging to monitor due to the specifics of their operating systems.
Protecting Mobile Devices: Recommendations
Anton Kivva stressed the importance of prioritizing mobile cybersecurity measures in the Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa. He recommended robust antivirus software, regular updates, user education, and vigilance against social engineering tactics to safeguard both mobile devices and sensitive data.
Kaspersky offers a set of recommendations to protect oneself from mobile threats. They advise users to download apps exclusively from official stores like Apple AppStore, Google Play, or Amazon Appstore, which undergo thorough moderation and filtration processes. Users should also check app permissions carefully, particularly high-risk permissions such as Accessibility Services.
Kaspersky Premium is touted as a reliable mobile security solution capable of detecting malicious apps and adware before they cause harm. Regularly updating the operating system and essential apps is also crucial in mitigating safety issues.
Call for Enhanced Cyber Protection
In conclusion, Kaspersky calls upon the mobile industry to bolster cyber protection at all levels, emphasizing the need for tailored cybersecurity services to ensure user security in an increasingly interconnected digital world. The report serves as a stark reminder that as technology advances, so too do the threats, necessitating proactive measures to safeguard our mobile devices and data.
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