Cybersecurity firm warns of rising mobile cyber attacks

ISLAMABAD: In 2024, the threat landscape for mobile devices is set to become increasingly perilous, with advanced cyber attacks on the rise.

This grim forecast was a focal point of discussion at the Cyber Security Weekend – META, where Kaspersky, a leading cybersecurity firm, unveiled fresh insights into mobile cyberthreat dynamics across various countries in the META region.

According to the data released, the incidence of mobile threats in the META region surged by 22% in 2023 compared to the previous year. Particularly alarming spikes were observed in specific regions, with the Middle East witnessing a 40% increase, Turkey facing a staggering 120% surge, and Africa encountering a 10% rise in mobile threats.

Kaspersky’s mobile solutions acted as a bulwark against these menacing threats, successfully thwarting numerous malicious attempts. The statistics provided are derived from Kaspersky solutions operating on Android devices, highlighting the critical role of proactive cybersecurity measures.

The modus operandi of these cyber threats is multifaceted, with malware often infiltrating devices through a variety of vectors. While unofficial app sources remain a common breeding ground for malware, even legitimate mobile marketplaces are not immune. Malicious actors deploy cunning tactics to lure unsuspecting victims into downloading harmful apps, often masquerading as reputable or essential software.

One such threat, CanesSpy, a spyware Trojan prevalent in the META region, poses a significant risk by clandestinely pilfering sensitive data from infected smartphones. Dmitry Galov, Head of Kaspersky GReAT for Russia and CIS, highlighted the insidious capabilities of Trojans, underscoring their capacity to harvest valuable data, initiate unauthorized subscriptions, and even extort money from victims.

Galov cautioned that the proliferation of advanced mobile attacks is poised to intensify in the coming year, driven by the relentless pursuit of novel malware delivery methods and the escalating sophistication of malicious software. In response, Galov emphasized the imperative of implementing robust cybersecurity protocols and fostering widespread awareness, asserting that only through concerted efforts can individuals, spanning from students to professionals and households, effectively mitigate the looming threat of mobile cyber attacks.