Kaspersky has just unveiled its latest report on the evolving landscape of mobile cyber threats in the second quarter of 2023. This report highlights the escalating menace to mobile devices. As individuals increasingly rely on their mobile gadgets to exchange personal information and connect to corporate networks, a concerning trend emerges: a 5% uptick in mobile threats across the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa in Q2 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. It’s crucial to note that all these threats were effectively neutralized by Kaspersky’s mobile security solutions.
The data presented in the report is primarily derived from Kaspersky’s security solutions operating on Android devices, which dominate the mobile market in the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey. While Apple devices are not impervious to cyber threats, monitoring them remains challenging due to their unique operating system architecture, as evidenced by Kaspersky’s recent discovery of the Triangulation attack.
Among the most prevalent mobile threats identified in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa are adware and mobile banking threats. In particular, there was a substantial surge in adware incidents in the region during Q2 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, with increases of 94% in Nigeria, 49% in Turkey, 27% in South Africa, 39% in Kenya, and 6% in the Middle East. Banking trojans, designed to pilfer data related to online banking and e-payment systems, pose another significant threat to mobile users. Turkey, in particular, witnessed a twofold increase (102%) in Trojan-Banker incidents in Q2 2023 compared to Q2 2022.
For an in-depth analysis of these threats, readers are encouraged to consult the full report by Kaspersky.
Anton Kivva, Malware Analyst Team Lead at Kaspersky, expressed his insights on the situation, stating, “With the growing adoption of smartphones and mobile banking in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa, cybercriminals are likely to intensify their targeting of mobile devices. We can anticipate a surge in phishing attacks, mobile malware, and malicious apps disguising themselves as legitimate financial services. Cybercriminals will persist in exploiting social engineering tactics, such as SMS phishing and voice phishing, to deceive mobile users into divulging sensitive information or downloading malicious content. Individuals and organizations in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa should prioritize mobile cybersecurity measures, including robust antivirus software, regular updates, user education, and heightened awareness against social engineering tactics, in order to protect their mobile devices and sensitive data.”
To shield yourself from these mobile threats, Kaspersky recommends the following measures:
– Download apps exclusively from official stores like Apple AppStore, Google Play, or Amazon Appstore. While not foolproof, these markets incorporate moderation and filtration systems, reducing the chances of malicious apps infiltrating them. Additionally, consider perusing user reviews to gauge an app’s functionality and safety.
– Scrutinize app permissions diligently, especially high-risk permissions such as Accessibility Services, before granting them.
– Employ a reliable mobile security solution like Kaspersky Premium to proactively identify and address malicious apps and adware.
– Stay vigilant by keeping your operating system and essential apps updated with the latest versions, as many security issues are resolved through software updates.
– Kaspersky urges the mobile industry to bolster cybersecurity at all levels, including user security, by offering tailored cybersecurity services. Kaspersky Consumer Business Alliances empower companies to furnish their customers with comprehensive cybersecurity portfolios, backed by Kaspersky’s global support and expertise.
